iji 




f ^Library of Congress. 




maUNITED STATES OF AMERICA-^ 




Itt 



EXTRACTS 



FROM 

LETTERS AND OTHER PIECES, 

WRITTEN BT 

y 

MARGARET JACKSON, 

4 » 

DURING HER LAST ILLNESS, 



PHILADELPHIA: 
BENJAMIN & THOMAS KITE, 

SO. 20, NORTH THIRD STREET. 

1825. 






Or CONGRESS l' 
I WASHINGTON J 









SKKRRETT LOCUST STREET, 

PHILADELPHIA. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Margaret Jackson was daughter of 
Thomas and Biddy Jackson of Eden- 
deny, in the King's County: she died 
at Moate, in the County of Westmeath, 
in the prime of life, on the 16th of se- 
cond month, 1822. Her last illness was 
of several years' duration, and the lin- 
gering progress of the disease was at- 
tended with severe bodily suffering. In 
its earlier stages she passed through dis- 
tressing mental conflicts, arising from 
an apprehension of unfitness for the ap- 
proaching awful change; yet these trials 
appear to have been permitted in mercy 
for her refinement— through the Re- 
deemer's love she was brought to a 
state of peaceful resignation, raised in a 
remarkable manner above her suffer- 
ings, supported under extreme and pro- 
tracted weakness, and enabled to rejoice 
in the hope of a glorious inheritance. 
Tn this favoured situation she felt a deep 



solicitude for the welfare of others, and 
under the influence thereof she often 
imparted lively and pathetic counsel to 
those who visited her : — the sweet im- 
pressions that accompanied these com- 
munications are still fresh in the me- 
mory of some. Nor was it only to- 
wards such of her near relatives and 
friends as were from time to time in- 
troduced to her chamber that her affec- 
tionate feelings were thus awakened; 
she earnestly desired that all who suffer 
the cares of this uncertain world, or its 
transitory enjoyments, to usurp the chief 
place in their hearts, might be aroused 
to a sense of their dangerous situation, 
and induced to seek first the kingdom 
of heaven; that, learning of Him who 
is " meek and lowly of heart," they 
might, at a time when all human sup- 
port and consolation are unavailing, ex- 
perience the fulfilment of His gracious 
promise, " ye shall find rest unto your 
souls." 

It was during this illness, and chiefly 
in the more advanced part of it, when al- 
together deprived of the power of speech. 



that the manuscripts were written from 
which the following pages are selected. 
Some of them were designed by the 
writer for individuals to whom they 
were addressed; but the greater part, 
it is believed, were intended for more 
general use, and of these there has been 
very little omitted. It is hoped the sim- 
ple language in which her sentiments 
are conveyed, will not prevent their fa- 
vourable reception by the reader; and 
that the circumstances under which they 
were written, whilst they entitle them 
to his indulgence, will give them an ad- 
ditional claim to his attention. 



4* 



LETTERS, &c. 



To her Sister Anne. 

7th of 12th month, 1819. 

4 My very dear and tender sister Anne, 
who hast been to me an affectionate attend- 
ant through my long- protracted illness, 
which, no doubt, hath tried thy natural feel- 
ings ; but thou must be sensible that the arm 
of Omnipotence must have supported thee, 
or thou should have long since given up. 
Mayest thou, my beloved sister, be reward- 
ed for thy kindness to me by Him, who hath 
seen meet to afflict me with many near trials. 
Thou hast many times been eye-witness to 
my very weak state, yet through all, my 
mind has been for the most part preserved 
in a good degree of patience and resignation 
to the Divine will. 

' It has at times occurred to me, that I 
might not be able to disclose my mind so 
fully to my dearest sister verbally, as 1 might 
do by committing at times to paper, the sin- 



cere desires I feel for thy everlasting wel- 
fare ; and may also let thee know a little of 
my own experience, which has been more 
circumscribed than I believe it should, if I 
had been faithful to the convictions of my 
internal, sure monitor. — Oh ! my beloved 
sister, never stifle its reproofs, but look unto 
it as thy guide and conductor through time ; 
and such it will prove, if sought after, for it 
is nothing less than the strivings of the Holy 
Spirit, to turn our hearts from the evil to 
which Ave are naturally prone. Many times, 
since I have beeu in part separated from the 
busy world, have I had cause for deep and 
silent mourning, that I did not attend more 
closely to little intimations in my own mind, 
which would have saved me many bitter re- 
flections on a sick bed, when the most tri- 
fling omission in time of health will be 
brought to our view : and, Oh ! what a mercy 
that we are favoured to see our great un- 
worthiness, and to feel that we have been 
transgressors : but it is a sad thing to delay 
the work of repentance till the hour of sick- 
ness ; and though I trust I have not been 
guilty of many gross crimes, yet I know I 
have much need of repentance, and prepara- 
tion for an inheritance among the blessed, 
whose robes have been washed and made 
white in the blood of the dear Son of God, 
our Saviour and Redeemer, who suffered 



the cruel death of the cross, in order to be- 
come a propitiation for our sins, and who, 
when he was reviled, reviled not again, but 
submitted in all the sufferings he endured, 
to the will of Him, who sent him into the 
world, and permitted trials to assail him, 
hard to flesh and blood to bear — yet he never 
murmured : and surely, any suffering these 
poor bodies may have to bear whilst clothed 
with mortality, is nothing comparable to 
what our blessed Lord himself passed 
through for our sakes ; our trials in mutabi- 
lity matter little, but, on the contrary, are 
in mercy dispensed to us, in order to pre- 
pare our souls for an entrance into the joyful 
confines of eternity, where the wicked cease 
from troubling, and the weary soul is at rest, 
and where all sorrow and sighing shall flee 
away.' 

12 mo. 13. — ' Several of my kind friends 
paid me a visit this forenoon. — My mind has 
been impressed with an awful feeling on 

hearing of the dissolution of , and t am 

almost ready to wish it should please my 
Heavenly Father to take me also, if I were 
prepared, but I fear I am not. Oh ! that I 
may embrace the present opportunity which 
is in great mercy granted me ; I am sensible 
that I stand in need of preparation for a 
blessed immortality, and I may with grati- 



10 

tude acknowledge, that I hope and believe in 
the mercy of my dear Redeemer, who will- 
eth not that any should perish : I trust that 
I mav be admitted even to the lowest man- 
sion in my Heavenly Father's kingdom. 

' I have been tried at times during my 
long illness, with deep poverty of spirit, 
when I have been almost ready to fear the 
Almighty had forsaken me ; but it was mer- 
cifully permitted, to try my faith and love 
to Him, for whom I trust both are unshaken. 
I have been at other times amply compen- 
sated for this desertion by comfortable, re- 
freshing seasons, wherein I was favoured 
with a full assurance of the love of my Hea- 
venly Father towards me. Oh ! may this be 
the experience of thee my dearest sister, 
whom I feel to be the greatest tie I have to 
this world ; but let me tenderly entreat that 
thou wilt not slight the day of small things 
— attend closely to the dictates of thy own 
conscience, which may warn thee to give up 
some things that may be repugnant to thy 
nature to part with ; but, my dearly beloved 
Anne, shrink not, be willing to surrender 
every thing required at thy hand, think no- 
thing too near nor too dear to part with in this 
world to gain the souPs salvation. What 
are all the fashions, vanities, and pleasures 
of this probationary state, when compared 
with eternal and everlasting felicity ? I think 



11 

I could make a cheerful exchange, and I 
feel thankful that my mind is in a good de- 
gree weaned from sublunary things. I trust 
I shall know a total surrender of every thing 
earthly, that may obstruct the work of righte- 
ousness in my soul; which will only produce 
solid peace, and the effect thereof, u quiet- 
ness and assurance for ever." [ 

1820, 1 mo. 5. — <Oh! may our future 
days be devoted to the service of our Hea- 
venly Father! — for my p*rt, I have not 
much expectation of my life being prolong- 
ed, as 1 feel my disease making slow, but 
sure ravages on my weakened constitution, 
though much has been done to mitigate it. 
I feel more gratitude than words can ex- 
press, for all the kindness I have experi- 
enced during my long illness. — If Provi- 
dence be pleased to lengthen my life, I sin- 
cerely hope he will enable me to live wholly 
to serve and advance his great cause in 
righteousness ; for I now see there is more 
comfort to be felt under his glorious banner, 
than amidst all the glittering pleasures of 
the world, which I entreat thee, my dearly 
beloved sister to relinquish, and place thy 
hopes on pure religion, which alone will 
stand thy solace in the hour of trial ; and 
when the time of dissolution arrives, thou 
wilt then find, when all other comforts fail. 



12 

religion will prove thy true comforter; — seek 
her whilst in health, before all the flattering 
delusions of this state of mutability. I never 
before saw the emptiness and folly of the 
world as T do now; and I wish all would be 
warned to see the folly of terrestrial enjoy- 
ments ere it is too late — before the aw il 
trumpet sound. Oh! that all my acquaint- 
ance knew my sentiments now, and would 
take warning, to make a timely preparation 
for their final change, which I hope may be 
well with all : I may truly say, I love the 
whole of mankind, but more particularly 
those who espouse the cause of our blessed 
Redeemer. — It is never too soon to begin a 
preparation for death — did we ever hear of 
any who thought on a death bed they had 
begun to prepare too early? — Oh, no l* 

2 mo. 1. — ' This day my mind is impress- 
ed with an awful feeling, on heariug of an- 
other of my friends being laid in the silent 

grave, who, I trust, has made a happy 

exchange. 1 feel much for his dear parents 
in their tried situation. — Those "whom the 
Lord loveth he chasteneth." When I think 
of the slender thread my life appears to be 
held by, 1 cannot but marvel at the wonderful 
kindness of my Heavenly Father, in prolong- 
ing it far beyond my friends' or my own ex- 
pectation, having been, as it were, often 



13 

rescued from the jaws of death; but my mer- 
ciful Saviour has seen meet to try me, in 
order to purge me from the dross of this 
wicked world, that I may yet become an in- 
habitant of the celestial city ; which will 
more than compensate for any suffering oa 
earth. 

' I frequently lament the sad devastation 
and corruption which have crept in, and gain- 
ed admittance amongst the members of our 
highly-favoured society, many of whom, in 
early times, suffered sore and hard persecu- 
tions for the cause of truth, over which none 
of their enemies ever were able to prevail ; 
and it is as powerful now as then to preserve 
those who espouse it. But how few there 
are w r ho stand as valiants to support their 
principles as they should ; — how is the testi- 
mony neglected and let fall to the ground, by 
which many have suffered great loss both 
spiritually and temporally. I have often been 
grieved to hear and behold the conduct of 
our young people of both sexes, their dress 
and address so inconsistent with the profes- 
sion they make; how can they suppose such 
can accord with the design of our all-wise 
Creator, who, I am convinced, would have 
us separated from the world, that is, the 
customs and fashions of it, and that we 
should walk in simplicity and humility as 
becoming the followers of a crucified Saviour, 

% 



14 

who was 4 * meek and lowly in heart," and 
warned [taught] his disciples to be so, even 
as he was. I hope all will, ere long, see 
their error, and come to behold the beauty- 
there is in the unchangeable truth; let us 
consider how dearly our predecessors pur- 
chased the many privileges we now enjoy, 
and yet, how do we slight them ! I think 
there is a great degradation in being asham- 
ed of our profession, or of appearing singu- 
lar : such was my idea when in converse with 
those not of our society, I was not ashamed 
to address them in a plain way, which I now 
find the advantage of; I have not to reproach 
myself with having denied the language of 
my blessed Redeemer, who died for me as 
for all mankind, though I have fallen far 
short of what I should ; but we all have a 
merciful Judge to appear before, who is just 
in all his ways, and is no respecter of per- 
sons ; — let us only believe, and we shall 
have all we require, that our Heavenly 
Father sees meet we should enjoy. — A firm 
belief, and an unshaken confidence in his 
all- sufficiency, are great attainments, and 
well worthy our seeking. 

4 Thy truly attached sister, 

M. J/ 



15 



To a Young Woman, then in a declining 
state of health. 



29th of 7th month, 1820- 



1 My dear 



1 I have often enquired of thy weak state, 
and hear with concern that thou art not get- 
ting better, which account I dare say thou 
receivest of me, having frequently heard of 
thy kind enquiries after me ; — but, my dear 
young creature, I never expect to be better 
in this world. — I sincerely wish that we may 
both be seeking a city, whose builder and 
maker is God ; and let us, I entreat of thee, 
endeavour to be preparing to become worthy 
of an entrance therein, as there are none of 
us but require refinement from the delusive 
pleasures and corruptions of a vain and de- 
ceitful world ; and I rejoice to say, that the 
Almighty has enabled me to see the vanity 
of all terrestrial enjoyments, and that I must 
place my future hope in his all-sufficiency, 
which is alone able to sustain in the midst of 
every affliction. — He hath in his goodness, 
seen meet to slain in my view every thing 
tbat is contrary to his Divine will ; and, Oh ! 
my dear may this be thy happy experi- 



16 

ence — mayest thou feel a total resignation to 
the will of thy Heavenly Father, that whe- 
ther he is pleased to call thee from this state 
of mutability now, or to prolong thy life, 
thou mayest be content; and remember, that 
those who place a confidence in his good- 
ness, and feel a surrender of every gratifica- 
tion, so that they can say with sincerity of 
heart, " Not my will but thine be done, O 
Lord," they will never be disappointed, I 
sincerely hope thy mind may be preserved 
in a state of quietude and peace, which the 
world can never deprive thee of; and for- 
get not that we have a merciful Redeemer to 
plead for us, who is just in all his ways, and 
is no respecter of persons, but all who fear 
God and work righteousness will be accept- 
ed by him. 

€ I am too weak to write more, but wished 
to send thee a token of my love, which I fear 
can hardly be read. — Believe me thy sincere 
well wisher, 

M. J.' 



1820, 7 mo. 30. — On waking in the morn- 
ing she prayed most fervently for her dear 
brother and sisters, that they might be pre- 
served from the many temptations of this 
wicked world ; then for all her near and dear 



17 

relations, and finally for the whole family 
of mankind. 



10 mo. 2. — i I have oft mourned when I 
have reflected on the state of our society, and 
the departure of many of its youth from first 
principles, which many of our pious prede- 
cessors suffered deeply to maintain, by im- 
prisonment and persecution various ways, 
even to the loss of life ; may they seriously 
consider the impropriety of deviating from 
simplicity and plainness in dress and ad- 
dress, as unbecoming the followers of a meek 
and crucified Saviour, who declared that his 
kingdom was not of this world. May they 
be induced to keep within the holy enclo- 
sure, which is a hedge of preservation against 
the many snares that abound in a delusive 
world, and remember their Creator in the 
days of their youth, surrendering their wills 
to the Divine will, to be moulded and 
fashioned according to his good pleasure — 
he alone knows what is best. May they re- 
turn, and that ere long, to the Captain of 
their salvation, that so our society may yet 
flourish in primitive purity. 

' I have felt dreadful apprehensions for 
those who continue unregenerate, going on in 
the wild career of sensual earthly pleasures, 
2* 



18 

forgetful of hereafter, not considering they 
know not how soon the trumpet may sound, 
and summon the soul before the dread tri- 
bunal, there to render account of the deeds 
done in these bodies, given to perform his 
will/ 



About the beginning of the Tenth month, 
1820, when enfeebled to an extreme degree 
by an illness, at that period of more than 
eighteen months continuance, she received a 
visit from Nathan Hunt, a minister from 
America, to whom, as well as to herself, it 
was rendered memorable by the remarkable 
extension of divine favour; — on leaving the 
chamber, he signified to a friend present, 
that although he had often visited the cham- 
bers of the sick, he had never been in such 
a one as her's, so near did her dwelling ap- 
pear to be to the source of all good. The fol- 
lowing is a copy of a communication made 
to this friend afterwards at her request : — 

u Margaret Jackson sends her dear, very 
dear love to her valued friend Nathan Hunt 
and his companion, thinks it would be ac- 
ceptable to them to hear that her happiness 
and peace of mind have increased, since she 
had the peculiar privilege of a visit from 



19 

him ; and she sincerely desires they may be 
favoured to return to their native land with 
the reward of peace, — sweet peace, which 
the world cannot give nor take away, and 
finally receive the crown in store for the 
righteous. — May we all be permitted to meet 
within the pearl gates." 



A female friend on going into her room 
on first-day evening, the 15th of 10th month, 
heard her commenting on several parts of 
Scripture, concluding with (Psalm xxiii.) 
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not 
u want. He maketh me to lie down in green 
H pastures, he leadeth me beside the still wa- 
iters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth 
" me in the paths of righteousness for his 
" name's sake. Yea, though I walk through 
u the valley of the shadow of death, I will 
u fear no evil ; for thou art with me ; thy rod 
" and thy staff they comfort me. Thou pre- 
* parest a table before me in the presence of 
u mine enemies : thou anointest my head 
" with oil ; my cup runneth over. Surely 
" goodness and mercy shall follow me all 
"the days of my life; and I will dwell in 
« the house of the Lord for ever." 

She saw almost all her acquaintances and 
friends, and exhorted and encouraged them 



20 



to love, serve, and trust in the Almighty, 
and that when they came on a sick bed, they 
would find the advantage of it ; and also ex- 
pressed a wish, that her young friends would 
keep to the simplicity of truth in dress and 
address in their intercourse with the world. 



10 mo, 22. — On some of her cousins com- 
ing to see her after meeting, she was ena- 
bled, though very weak, to speak to them 
for a length of time ; the particulars cannot 
be recollected. Her prayer was beyond ex- 
pression beautiful ; and on their leaving her, 
she took a most affectionate farewel. 



10 mo. 29. — € I wish that ail the young 
people who call themselves Quakers, and 
who profess to be guided by the unerring 
Spirit of Truth, knew the concern that has 
attended my mind, that they should not 
launch out into gaiety of dress ; for though 
I have no idea that religion consists entirely 
in a plain exterior, yet this I believe, and 
am fully convinced, that if our hearts be 
truly devoted to serve the Lord, and to love 
him above every thing, our inclinations will 
not prompt us to follow the superfluous 



21 

fashions of the world ; the false pleasures of 
which can never afford us true and solid 
peace, which the Almighty has promised to 
give unto his faithful followers, who take up 
their cross, and live a life of self-denial for 
his sake, who alone is worthy to be served, 
honoured, and obeyed. The truth of this I 
now declare — Marvellous are thy works, O 
Lord, my Redeemer, and that my soul 
knoweth right well ! 

' These deviations have given me much 
pain of mind both in health and sickness, 
which has been much increased since laid on 
a sick bed, on reflecting that many who are 
members of our highly favoured society, have 
suffered the temptations of a cunning enemy 
to prevail in turning them aside from the 
strait and narrow way, which is the only 
sure way to eternal happiness, and will 
alone ensure us peace of mind during our 
passage through this deceitful and uncertain 
world. I warn you not to be decking and 
adorning these poor bodies, which must ere 
long be consigned to their native clay — let 
your adorning be that of a meek and quiet 
spirit, which is in the sight of God of great 
price: — consider the good of your immortal 
souls, which must be either happy or miser- 
able in a never-ending eternity ; and the 
youngest of you know not how soon the 
summons of death may reach your ears/ 



38 

10 mo. 80. — *I should wish such of my 
young acquaintances as may be inclined, to 
attend my funeral; perhaps it might impress 
on their minds serious thoughts of their latter 
end, which has been my own experience on 
seeing the remains of a fellow-creature laid 
in the silent grave. It is with a view of 
doing good that I invite my young friends, 
as it matters little to me whether many or 
few attend the solemn closing scene; but 
remember that I am young, and cut down 
in the flower of my youth, which may be the 
case with some of you, for the old must go, 
and the young may go. Do not put off the 
important work of your souPs salvation to a 
sick bed, for then the pains of body will be 
sufficient to bear, without the stings of a 
wounded conscience. — You can never begin 
too early to prepare for death. — The good- 
ness of Providence has been mercifully and 
powerfully extended unto me during my 
sickness, wherein I have known the Divine 
arm of strength to have been my support 
under much bodily weakness. May the 
same good hand support all, both young 
and old, when they are brought into a simi- 
lar situation. — Oh! that my soul may praise 
the Lord for his wonderful condescending 
goodness to so unworthy and undeserving a 
creature as I have been ! — Do not fail, I 
entreat you, to return him daily thanks for 



S3 

the many unmerited blessings lie so bounti- 
fully dispenseth to transgressing and rebel- 
lious children. Choose the Lord for your 
portion, and the God of Jacob for the lot of 
your inheritance — place your whole confi- 
dence and never distrust his goodness or 
power — he is able to do all things, there is 
nothing impossible with God. May you 
more and more admire the excellency and 
beauty there is in the unchangeable truth; — 
suffer not any worldly cares whatever, when 
health permits, to prevent your punctual at- 
tendance of religious meetings for worship 
and discipline. The performance of this 
most solemn, sacred and incumbent duty, 
should never be neglected ; and whilst as- 
sembled for the purpose of worshipping the 
Divine Being, endeavour to feel your minds 
brought into perfect stillness, and released 
from all corroding thoughts ; in which state 
we can alone approach our Maker with ac- 
ceptance. " God is a Spirit, and they that 
" worship him must worship him in spirit 
" and in truth. " The mere showing ourselves 
amongst others will do little for us, unless 
we desire to have our minds benefited by 
going to meetings. Do not let youth, or 
self-reasoning, excite thoughts of its being 
time enough to be serious, for those who are 
truly religious, I believe enjoy the most real 
comfort and peace of mind. Oh ! that none 



§1 

may be like the foolish virgins, who had no 
oil in their lamps when the bridegroom came : 
— be ye all ready, whenever he shall come, 
to go forth to meet him. 

' I strongly recommend a frequent perusal 
of the Holy Scriptures ; they afford instruc- 
tion and consolation to the seeking mind. 
The revelation of these sacred truths very 
much depends on the state of mind in which 
we read them. I have derived unspeakable 
advantage, and many times my mind has 
felt comfort, from an early acquaintance with 
them, which makes me desirous that all may 
cherish a partiality for reading them : I well 
know their real value. — Be frequently in 
the practice of retiring and waiting on the 
Lord ; seek his counsel as your only sure 
guide through life; it will enable you to 
pursue the necessary avocations you may be 
engaged in. — Live loose to the fleeting things 
of time ; place not your affections on sensual 
pleasures; let the Almighty Father of the 
universe, the Saviour and Redeemer of man- 
kind, be your first love; give him the greatest 
room in your hearts, allow him to come in 
and abide with you ; may you never reject 
the tender visitations of Divine love, nor 
spurn the gentle reproofs and admouitions 
of unerring wisdom, which can only lead 
you in the right path ; — be not ashamed to 
acknowledge the Lord in all your ways — 



remember what be suffered for the sake of 
all sinners, in order to redeem us from our 
sinful states. 

' It is a source of sweet satisfaction when 
I reflect, that I never, to my knowledge, 
was ashamed of behaving plain and simple, 
or of making use of the plain language to all 
ranks of people, which my situation in life 
subjected me to a variety of acquaintance 
with; and I never found that it lessened my 
respect in the world, but, on the contrary, 
am convinced that those who act consistently 
with our Christian profession, are much more 
esteemed by the thoughtful part of mankind, 
and must be more acceptable in the sight of 
an all-seeing God, from whom nothing can 
be concealed/ 



10 mo. 31.— < Buy the Truth and sell it 
not. Oh ! that all my dear young friends 
may be induced to sell all that they have, 
that is, to relinquish every thing that is con- 
trary to truth, and purchase the pearl of great 
price. — Believe me, it is well worth your 
seeking so valuable a possession : I know it 
now by experience ; for I would not resign 
it for the greatest earthly treasure, nor make 
au exchange of my present situation for the 
most exalted one in this world. 1 humbly 

3 



26 

trust, that He who can convert a sinner to a 
saint is mercifully redeeming my soul from 
the follies and corruptions of this degenerate 
world; and when it is fully purified for an 
entrance into my Redeemer's kingdom, I have 
no doubt but it will be granted me. I know 
that my Redeemer lives, and in this alone I 
trust : he is my only hope, and the dearly 
beloved of my soul, and to do his will is 
now my delight — may this be the experience 
of all my fellow creatures — may the great I 
Am, who hath been graciously pleased to 
bring my will into subjection to his own pure 
will, do the same with all his creatures. Let 
all be subservient to him who alone knows 
what is best for us, and orders all things in 
wisdom. Oh! the goodness and power of re- 
deeming love, which has mercifully weaned 
my affections from terrestrial things, and 
placed them on objects far more excellent and 
superior in their nature. I can now in since- 
rity say, — Not my will but thine be done, O 
Lord. I declare these things with a view of 
encouraging others to place their entire con- 
fidence in the Father of lights, with whom 
is no variableness neither shadow of turning; 
knowing that I have been a great transgres- 
sor, and guilty of many omissions ; so that 
when I reflect on the wonderful goodness 
and tender dealings of a most merciful Sa- 
viour, I trust I feel humble and self-abased: 
— Oh! that I may be as nothing in his 



27 

Divine sight, not having any thing but what 
I have received from his bountiful hand. 
We are poor, dependent creatures, and un- 
worthy of the least of the Lord's mercies, 
whose compassions towards us fail not. Oh! 
that we were humble, meek, and lowly- 
minded as was our Holy Pattern ; who 
though he could have legions of angels at 
his command, took upon him the form of a 
servant. Let your thoughts often recur to 
the cruel death and sufferings of our dear 
Saviour, the Lord of life and glory — We 
must bear the cross and despise the shame 
— I am convinced there is no way to the 
crown but by the cross ; there is only the 
one way to the celestial city : our blessed 
Lord declared himself to be the way, the 
truth, and the life ; may all fully believe on 
him is my sincere desire. I feel my heart 
to flow with love to my fellow-creatures ; I 
trust it is that love which proceeds from my 
Heavenly Father, who is no respecter of 
persons, but all that fear him, let their name 
to religion be what it may, all are precious 
in his divine sight. 

' 1 feel longing desires raised in my heart, 
that the faithful labourers in the Lord's vine- 
yard may be encouraged to persevere in the 
glorious work they have engaged in : let 
none be dismayed, for He who alone can 
strengthen the weak hands and confirm the 



28 

feeble knees, will support those who are bound 
to be zealous in the cause of truth, and sincerely 
desire the prosperity of Zion and the enlarge- 
ment of her borders ; let those not fear, for 
the foundation of God staudeth sure, having 
this seal, that the Lord knoweth them that 
are his. — Truth is the same yesterday, to- 
day, and for ever, and nothing shall ever be 
able to overcome it/ 



11 mo. 1. — i Let me tenderly entreat those 
who may not have come under the forming 
hand of Divine Power, nor submitted to the 
yoke of Christ, not to delay longer, nor con- 
sult with flesh and blood, but to enter into 
covenant with your great Master, that from 
the present time you will become labourers in 
his vineyard. Oh ! the reward he gives is 
great ! stand no longer idle — do not put off 
to the eleventh hour, though we read that 
they who entered in at that late hour, re- 
ceived as much as those who bore the bur- 
den and heat of the day, which is great en- 
couragement ; nevertheless, there is much 
loss and risk attend such as thus put off; we 
lose more than we are aware of by not serv- 
ing the Author of our being all our days : I 
wish I had been more faithful all my life 
than I was.— Oh ! the extent of my Redeem- 



29 

er ? s goodness, no tongue can tell : — My dear 
friends, reject not, neither slight, the tender 
visitations of Divine Love, which 1 believe 
have been extended to many, lest the sen- 
tence applied to Jerusalem shall be again 
passed ; remember when our dear Lord be- 
held the city and wept over it : " If thou 
"hadst known the things which belong unto 
" thy peace, but now they are hid from thine 
" eyes," &c. " because thou knewest not the 
" time of thy visitation." Oh ! that it may 
not be applicable in the present day. And 
in another part, " O Jerusalem, Jerusalem ! 
" thou that killest the prophets, and stonest 
"them which are sent unto thee, how often 
a would I have gathered thy children to- 
" gether, even as a hen gathereth her chickens 
" under her wings, and ye would not." Have 
not there been many of the Lord's messen- 
gers sent among us of late, and where are 
the fruits which should result from such la- 
bours of love? Many sharp testimonies have 
been borne to backsliders, and also much in- 
vitation for us to return unto the Lord and 
he will have mercy, and to oar God who 
will abundantly pardon our sins, if we be 
truly devoted to serve him the remainder of 
our lives, and sin no more. We should be 
a separate people, as was designed by Him 
that first gathered our society : " Come out 
" from among them, and be ye separate, 
3* 



30 

u saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean 
" thing, and I will receive you, and will be 
" a lather unto you, and ye shall be my sons 
a and daughters." Ah ! my dear young 
friends, in much love and simplicity do I 
entreat you to separate your minds from the 
false pleasures and vain gratifications of this 
fading world ; seek that "city which hath 
" foundations, whose builder and maker is 
" God." 

' My heart is filled with love towards you, 
my dear friends, and to the whole race of 
mankind — it knows no bounds, but reaches 
over sea and land. Earnest desires are rais- 
ed in me, that none may fall short of an en- 
trance into everlasting rest, prepared for all 
true believers. Oh ! may we be sheep of His 
pasture, who hath promised there shall be 
one shepherd and one fold ; — Christ is the 
door, and his sheep hear his voice, and 
know it, but a stranger they will not follow. 
Beware of listening to the voice of the ene- 
my, who would lead unwatchful minds 
astray, and, if possible, persuade us that the 
Lord, my beloved Saviour, will not do for 
us as he promises ; but I know the enemy 
to be a liar, and the truth is not in him ; he 
is a cunning, crooked, twining serpent, full 
of deceit ; let none fear or doubt the good- 
ness of a wise God. whose promises are un- 
failing — they are yea and amen forever. May 



31 

the attributes of my Heavenly Parent, whom 
my soul now adores, be my perpetual theme ; 
whilst I exist I must praise my dear Re- 
deemer, that hath done so much for unwor- 
thy me; replenishing my mind from time to 
time with his pure love. The wonderful 
goodness aud favours T have experienced 
through my long-protracted illness, must be 
obvious to all who have seen me — may they 
ever remember the good Hand that could 
alone have supported me, and forget not to 
praise Him who only is worthy. Ah ! praise 
and extol the King of kings and Lord of 
lords : " Be thou exalted, O God, above the 
" heavensi, let thy glory be above all the 
u earth ;" for thou art a jealous God, and 
will not give thy glory to another, nor thy 
praise to graven images. " No man having 
u put his hand to the plough, and looking 
H back is fit for the kingdom of God," were 
the words of our dear and blessed Saviour : 
let none look back, I entreat you ; be en- 
couraged to follow the Captain of your sal- 
vation ; maintain the warfare of truth and 
righteousness ; fight the good fight of faith, 
that finally you may obtain the reward of 
" Well done, thou good and faithful ser- 
" vant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 
Employ the several talents which you have 
been entrusted with ; let none be like the 
wicked servant who hid his Lord's money in 



32 

a napkin. Oh ! my beloved friend?, study 
do all vou can whilst it is day, for the Die 

metfe wherein none can work. Though we 
be ever -o diligent, we shall have nothing 
to spare in the great day of account which 
hastening on all. when he which is. and w 
and is to come, will judge both quick and 

id. Oh ! that our names may be written 
in the Lamb's book of life, that we mayjoin 
the just of all generation- made pei av- 

ians; their robes trashed in the atoning Mood 
of the dear Son of God. who gave his life a 
ransom for mankind, and makerh interces- 

n for returning sinners, wi 
him for redemption, and fully believe in his 
all-sufficiency and eternal salvation. •• T 
•• Side me there is no Saviour.'* sakh the 
Lord: He is a sure refuse in the day of 

.1 — Oh ! mv soul, art thou sincerelv i 

lied to thv Creator — fail not to return him 
thanksgiving, honour, glory, and praise, t! 
he did not leave thee in th;- ipt 

ek a continuance of Di- 
vine goodness whilst thou art clothed with 
boi I when the joyful release 

come. then. O nr- in the heavenly 

host i g hallelujah to -.' 

Lord God and the L r and for 

ne is worthy. 1 



33 

11 ino. 2. Some young people being in. 
the room, whose welfare she seemed inte- 
rested for, she gave very impressive and inte- 
resting advice for their future conduct — to take 
up a resolution from that night, and not mat- 
ter appearing singular in the world — to turn 
from its maxims, its pleasures, and its 
friendships, and not to be ashamed to appear 
Quakers ; but to honour their Lord and 
Master, who had said, " Whosoever shall 
" confess me before men, him shall the Son 
u of man also confess before the angels of 
u God ; but he that denieth me before men, 
"shall be denied before the angels of God." 
— She reminded them, that they had in her 
a monument of his goodness and mercy, 
and wonderful loving-kindness : adding, — '1 
would rather be a door-keeper in the house 
of my God, than dwell in the tents of wick- 
edness. Perhaps you may think of me, and 
of my words, when I am laid in the silent 
grave. It is not age that has reduced me to 
the state you see me in, nearly as dependent 
as an infant: I am young, as well as you, 
and you know not how soon it may be your 
situation. Put not off the work of your im- 
mortal soul's salvation — defer it not to a sick 
bed, I entreat you, when the pains of the 
body may be sufficient to bear, but serve the 
Lord in your prime ; he loves an early sa- 
crifice, and will never leave nor forsake them 



34 

that put their trust and confidence in him. 
He is good, inexpressibly good, to those 
that seek him in true humility and nothing- 
ness of self. — "To this man will I look, 
"even to him that is poor and of a contrite 
"spirit, and trembleth at my word." Come, 
seek for yourselves, " the heart knoweth his 
" own bitterness, and a stranger doth not in- 
" termeddle with his joy." — Taste and see 
how good the Lord is. I long that you should 
feel as I do ; and you will, perhaps in a 
greater degree, be favoured with the incomes 
of divine love, if the fault is not your own. 
Take up a firm resolve, like good old Joshua, 
" Choose you this day whom you will serve ; 
" as for me and my house, we will serve the 
" Lord." The Almighty Judge of quick and 
dead, whose penetrating eye pierces the 
inmost recesses of the soul, knows every 
word and action, sees us as we really are : 
nothing can be' hid from his view. O may 
we fear to offend ! and fear not man who can 
only kill the body, but fear him who can 
cast both soul and body into hell : — fear, 
honour, and obey him, before whom all shall 
bow, either in judgment or in mercy/ 



11 mo. 3. <\ trust I am at times hum- 
bly prostrated before the throne of grace, in 



35 

reverent thankfulness to the Author of all 
our sure mercies, who hath been pleased 
mercifully to lengthen my clays, and enable 
me to prepare for the solemn change which 
awaits me. It is an unspeakable privilege 
to have a time of refinement granted us. How 
mauy instances have we of those taken off 
the stage of life at a very short warning. I 
have often reflected on the uncertainty of 
human life: it is lamentable to think of any 
passing their precious time, as though re- 
gardless of this most awful subject. Let us 
just consider, that in the twinkling of an eye, 
the soul may be summoned to resign its 
earthly tenement; and dreadful is the thought 
if any be unprepared, who have not felt or 
sought after an interest in their Redeemer 
whilst health was afforded them; — their si- 
tuation appears to me truly terrific. I wish, 
most sincerely, that the minds of the supine 
may be awakened to consider how far they 
are fulfilling their duty to an all- wise Crea- 
tor, who requires no more than his due ; and 
if we do our utmost, we must allow, after 
all, we are unprofitable servants. 

' In much affection, may I endeavour to 
dissuade those who have given way to an 
inclination to attend taverns, the theatre, or 
such like places of dissipation, from continu- 
ing thus to waste their precious, fleeting mo- 
ments. How can any, calling themselves 



36 

Quakers, feel acquitted in such practices? 
I don't think any can, and it is a dangerous 
thing to stifle conviction, by acting against 
conscience ; beware of this, for then we have 
no cloak for our sin, and so become the 
greater transgressors. Every human creature 
is blest with a sure internal monitor, which 
reproves for doing wrong, and if attended 
to, would lead us in the right way at all 
times. I never was sorry for obeying this 
true guide, but have felt loss attend disobe- 
dience, even in trifling temporal concerns. 

' Another way of mis-spending time, in 
my view, is reading novels, and other evil 
publications, with which the age abounds. 
I believe they have injured many minds. 
Many are the snares which the enemy of 
man's happiness lays for our destruction; 
and if constant watchfulness be not preserv- 
ed, we are in great danger of being entangled 
thereby. 

'\ have been induced to mention these 
things, that are clearly pointed out to me as 
errors in this time of reflection, hoping they 
may be taken as intended, being, I trust, 
the effusions of a heart converted by the 
operative power of the Word of Truth, 
breathing love to all my fellow mortals, and 
interested for their comfort through time and 
happiness in eternity. Believe me my dear 
friends; it is well worth taking up the cross 



37 

to our inclinations for the sake of our dear 
Redeemer ; think nothing, I entreat you, too 
near or dear to part with that he shall re- 
quire at your hands. Oh ! may I be totally 
subject and given up to serve my good Mas- 
ter, in thought, word, and deed, the few re- 
maining days of my life/ 



11 mo. 4. — <Be humble, be patient under 
suffering, despise not the chastenings of the 
Lord, neither be weary of his corrections, 
" for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, 
" and scourgeth every son whom he receiv- 
" eth." I rejoice in my affliction, knowing 
it has been dispensed for my good, and 
such I hope it will ultimately prove. 1 trust 
my soul is anchored in its Creator, the im- 
moveable Rock, against which all the powers 
of darkness shall never be able to prevail ; 
and that nothing shall separate me from the 
love I feel in my beloved Saviour and bles- 
sed Intercessor, who 1 believe is now mine, 
and that 1 am his. Oh ! the blessing of 
being made a true believer, having un- 
shaken faith and firm hope in the merries 
and all-sufficiency of our dear Lord Jesus 
Christ.' 



38 

11 mo. 5. — 'The Lord is a sure refuge 
in the time of trouble, and a shield unto all 
who trust in him ; he is my only hope, my 
deliverer, my buckler, and the horn of my 
salvation. Great and marvellous are thy 
works, Lord God Almighty ! Just and true 
are all thy ways, thou King of saints! — the 
mighty Counsellor, the everlasting Father, 
and the Prince of peace. To thee only be- 
longeth glory, honour, power, thanksgivings, 
and praises for evermore, Amen. 

1 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his 
face evermore. Let all the nations of the 
earth fear and adore the name of the great 
Jehovah, who is alone worthy/ 



* I feel as though I dare not omit relating 
a few more particulars which have dwelt on 
my mind with some weight for days past, 
as regards instructing the tender minds of 
children, and instilling therein early princi- 
ples of piety and virtue. I wish all who 
have the care of youth may be attentive to 
this important work. With much diffidence 
and affection, may I attempt to remind parents 
of the strict care that is necessary, to keep 
these tender plants cleared of all noxious 
weeds, which if suffered to take root and 
grow, may frustrate the designs of the great 



39 

Husbandman, who hath entrusted them to 
your care, for which he will most assuredly 
require an account at the final day of judg- 
ment, when no excuse will be taken for ne- 
glected duty. Such a responsible situation 
as parents hold, demands constant diligence, 
and frequent seeking for best counsel, to di- 
rect and enable to act with acceptance in the 
sight of our Creator, before whom all must 
appear, sooner or later. Those who may be 
encouraging in their infant charge a love for 
gay attire, I tenderly warn of its dangerous 
consequences, thereby sowing the seeds of 
pride, which mostly shows itself too soon, 
and should if possible be eradicated. We 
know that the Lord hath respect unto the 
lowly, but the proud he knoweth afar ofi*. 
Remember the humility of our dear Saviour ; 
he blessed little children, and said, " of 
such is the kingdom of heaven," and that 
whosoever will not receive the kingdom of 
heaven as a little child, shall in no wise en- 
ter therein. How melancholy the reflection, 
that corruption should be introduced by pa- 
rents in gratifying their own inclinations. I 
fear there are some who do not consider se- 
riously what they are doing, that deck and 
adorn their little babes before they knew 
what dress is. I have often beheld with 
concern the decoration of some infants' dress, 
totally inconsistent with the principles we 



40 

profess ; lace to the little cap, and much su- 
perfluous work on the frock ; such vanities, 
my dear friends, will ultimately prove a 
source of sorrow to both parents and chil- 
dren ; when the latter arrive at serious 
thought, and see the impropriety of gay ap- 
parel, they may probably censure the man- 
ner they were trained, which will cause the 
cross to feel much harder than if more hum- 
bly brought up. Many young persons, when 
laid on a sick bed, have felt remorse for 
having given way to vain propensities, by 
following the vain fashions of the age ; and 
can parents who act thus, be acquitted of 
having neglected their duty? The good 
Shepherd hath made them stewards over 
this part of his flock — the care of the soul is 
more requisite than of these poor bodies, 
which must ere long return to original dust. 
Though nature may be more lavish of her 
accomplishments to some than others, they 
should not be noticed in the hearing of the 
child who may have ni pretty face, or fine 
person, with a handsome head of hair ; be 
cautious how you observe these things, and 
if their attention appears to be turned on 
such endowments, I beg you may discourage 
any thing like admiration of them ; they may 
prove a snare, if watchfulness be not the 
study. I well remember the strict care of 
my dear mother, when in our childhood, if 



41 

she perceived any appearance of vanity in 
dress, or fondness for one particular garment, 
she determined to deprive us of it, which I 
am convinced served to preserve us in some 
degree, from desiring fashionable dress. I 
esteem such care a blessing, and it is, in my 
opinion, one of the greatest tokens of real 
parental love that can be shown. Winking 
at foibles in children is very mistaken love, 
and not the way to promote their comfort. 
Let all beware of laying a foundation for 
sorrow in the trying hour. My dear friends, 
be prevailed on to nip every evil inclination 
in the bud. 

' And you, my dear children, be dutiful 
and obedient to your parents, attentive to 
their commands, and, as you grow in years, 
try to make all the return in your power for 
their care of you in infancy. Be kind and 
affectionate one toward another, for this is 
well-pleasing in the sight of your heavenly 
Father, from whom your most trilling faults 
cannot be concealed ; though you may at- 
tempt to hide them from human eye, think 
not to do so from Him who sees and knows 
the thoughts, words, and actions. Never be 
tempted to tell a lie, or deceive any person; 
act with candour, and be willing to acknow- 
ledge your faults, and you will be the more 
readily forgiven. Never bear in your mind 
any thing like resentment ; be careful to for- 

4* ' 



it 

give every offence you receive from others — 
if we do not forgive, neither will our hea- 
venly Father forgive us our trespasses. Re- 
member not injuries, but should differences 
arise at any time, endeavour, as soon as may 
be for a reconciliation ; so will you live in 
peace and love with your fellow-creatures. 
Our Saviour commanded his disciples to 
love one another as he loved them ; may you 
be preserved from breaking this holy com- 
mandment. I love you ail, my dear chil- 
dren, and tenderly entreat you ever to live 
in the fear of the Almighty, who can bless 
you and make you happy.' 



11 mo. 10. — <I wish my dear friends 
every where to avoid speaking to the preju- 
dice of any person. Whenever you feel a 
temptation to this evil, or are in the way of 
hearing others, discourage it as much as pos- 
sible — never join in such a conversation. If 
charity cover not the tongue, let the finger 
of silence rest upon the lips ; would you like 
to be so treated by others in your absence ? 
I believe, did we often reflect thus, we should 
then wish to do unto others as we like them 
io do to us ; this would entirely prevent tale- 
bearing and detraction being heard of, which 
I think a cruel practice. Avoid and dis- 



43 

courage a volatile disposition, and levity of 
conduct, at all times, as there is danger at- 
tends giving way to this inclination. Seek 
to acquire a regular, circumspect deport- 
ment, which is generally accompanied by in- 
nocent cheerfulness/ 



11 mo. 11. — * I have been considering our 
query, Is there among you any growth in 
the truth ? which I think should excite an 
individual, impartial examination, and fre- 
quent communion with the heart, by which 
we would discover whether our desires after 
the knowledge of the best things increase, 
and if this be the happy case, I believe a 
growth in the truth must then be experienced. 
Beware, my beloved friends, of indifference 
or lukewarmness prevailing as to your pro- 
gress in the work of righteousness, which 
shall bring you peace ; this is a glorious 
work to engage in — let none be dismayed, 
as all who follow their Divine Leader in the 
way he requires, and serve him faithfully, 
shall finally receive a rich reward for all their 
toils. Take up your cross daily, and bear 
the yoke of a dear Saviour. I can tell you 
his yoke is easy and his burden light. There 
is no way to the crowu but by the cross. 
With the Lord is fulness of joy, and at his 



44 

right band are pleasures for evermore — his 
ways are ways of pleasantness, and all his 
paths are peace.' 



11 mo. 13. — i Oh ! the comfort and happy 
state of mind we enjoy by loving the Lord 
above all things — it is beyond the power of 
utterance. Trust in him at all times, and 
you shall find every want supplied : trust 
not in the fading pleasures of this transitory 
state. My dear friends, spurn not the gen- 
tle monitions of the Most High ; despise not 
the day of small things ; cherish the least ap- 
pearance of good which may arise in the 
mind, and should any feel at times as though 
deprived of spiritual comfort, be not dis- 
couraged ; — the Lord is pleased to hide him- 
self for a time, in order, I believe, to prove 
our faith and love to him ; and if he still find 
us seekiug for him, he will delight to satis- 
fy our hungry souls. I have sometimes 
thought of those who are tempted whilst in 
the vigour of life and health to slight their 
blessed Lord and Saviour by persevering in 
follies, and indulging the gratifications of self 
— how can such look for comfort in a time 
of trial, and on a sick bed — let them consi- 
der the danger of living entirely at ease in 
their own pleasures, so long as they are able 



45 

to enjoy them, that when deprived of ability 
or relish for such things, then the Almighty 
may laugh at their calamity, and mock when 
their fear cometh.' 



11 mo. 15. — i Oh ! the ecstacy and raptur- 
ous sensations that fill my soul, contemplat- 
ing celestial happiness ; a prospect of which, 
I hope, is mercifully granted me. I believe 
I feel at times something like a foretaste of 
the joys of heaven. There is none like un- 
to the Lord : he has granted all my desires : 
I seem as though all my wishes are now sa- 
tisfied ; I have seen my dearly beloved Aunt, 
who I never expected to have met in this 
world. I feel my heart overflow with gratis 
tude to the best of parents, my dear Lord, 
who has daily blessed me with innumerable 
comforts, and yesterday, not the least, of see- 
ing so dear a relative. May the Almighty 
be her support in her weakly state ! Oh ! 
my God will be with all that seek him. — I 
sought him and was not disappointed. What 
shall I render unto the Lord for all his be- 
nefits ? I have nothing to give him but his 
own, and that he shall have. 

' I hope I always loved the Truth ; though 
I did little if any thing to forward the great 
work, I wished for its prosperity ; and that 



46 

all may experience a growth in this inesti- 
mable treasure, let none depend on another 
answering this important query, [Is there 
among you any growth in the truth ?] but in- 
dividually examine their own state, and 
earnestly press after that great attainment 
Let this be the frequent language of the 
mind, " Create in me a clean heart, and re- 
u new a right spirit within me," for thou, O 
Lord, alone can perfect the work!' 



11 mo. 18. — <0 my God, how profuse 
hast thou been of thy goodness to me, from 
my infantile years to this time. I delight to 
commemorate the Lord's peculiar mercies 
and comforts, dispensed to me on a bed of 
languishing, in the course of which time I 
was favoured to partake of visits from seve- 
ral kind friends, that I hope are faithful in 
the work of my dear Redeemer, and minis- 
tens of the Gospel, who comforted and 
strengthened me; nor shall I, whilst favour- 
ed with recollection, lose sight of the feel- 
ings enjoyed, the few moments I passed in 
the company of my much valued friend, Na- 
than Hunt, from America, who was the mes- 
senger of good tidings to my bed-side. Often 
have I reflected on that precious season, 
wherein I felt as if the good Master was 



47 

present with us. This visit made so great 
an impression on my mind, I did not like to 
omit noticing it. The few like opportunities 
I enjoyed with other dear friends, afforded 
me solid satisfaction : — all, I trust, are sealed 
on my memory. Never be cast down, O my 
soul, nor disquieted within me ; trust in the 
Lord, for I shall praise him, who is the 
health of my countenance and my God. 
What should I do, hut for constant supplies 
of inward support from the pure, inexhausti- 
ble fountain of all good? My bodily weak- 
ness is now exceedingly oppressive, but 
through all my mind is preserved calm and 
tranquil, which more than compensates for 
any bodily suffering, — thanks to my belov- 
ed, everlasting Helper, who can do as much 
for others, yea, more, than he hath done 
for me: this thought is consoling to my mind. 
Let not thy hand spare, O Lord! nor thine 
eye pity, until thou hast made all hearts 
what thou wouldest have them to be. Oh ! 
that all may submit to the operations of 
Truth, and none be strangers to the inward 
work, which is a blessed work indeed. 

<I was one night awoke from sleep, with 
these comfortable words impressed on my 
mind, "They shall be kept in perfect peace 
" whose minds are stayed on their God." I 
trust mine is so, or I should hardly enjoy 
such sweet peace and quiet as I do, and have 



18 

enjoyed for many weeks back. I must not 
fail to glorify the great I am, who doth mar- 
vellous things, manifold are his works, in 
wisdom are all ordered by him. I have 
thought of the lepers which we read were 
cleansed, and of their neglect. " Where are 
" the nine?" said the only one good Healer: 
"There are not found that have returned 
"to give glory to God, save this stranger." 
Be not deficient my dear friends, in praising 
your Heavenly Father for the very least of 
his favours. We feel a wish to make some 
return to our friends for past kindness, and 
surely we should feel doubly anxious to re- 
turn gratitude and praises, due to that great 
and good Being, from whom alone we re- 
ceive every perfect gift, and whose stores of 
kindness are never closed against us ; if 
the fault be not our own, no good thing will 
he withhold that can add to our comfort. 
He who walketh on the wings of the wind, 
and the clouds are under his feet, whose 
throne is in heaven and his footstool on 
earth, He it is I wish to praise and exalt, 
who, I humbly trust, will be pleased ere 
long to raise me to the summit of felicity. 
I desire to be abased as in dust and ashes, 
knowing my nothingness in the Divine 
sight/ 



49 

11 mo. SI. — 'In a feeling of that love 
which I believe death shall only dissolve, 
do I entreat those who are fond of gay dress, 
and adorning these poor bodies of clay, to 
consider, that though in a state of natural 
perfection one day, yet before another closes 
they may be cold and lifeless as the dust 
from whence they sprung. Ah ! my dear 
friends, let this thought often impress your 
minds, and be not exalted in your own esti- 
mation, neither lean to your own understand- 
ing — we can do nothing of ourselves ; all 
our endeavours are unavailing without the 
aid of the Almighty. " Except the Lord 
" build the house, they labour in vain that 
C4 build it, — except the Lord keep the city, 
u the watchman waketh but in vain." So it 
is in all our good actions through life, we 
must know his holy Hand to be underneath. 
Let the creature be humbled in all things, 
but the Creator exalted — exalted and mag- 
nified for evermore ! " To this man will I 
" look, saith the Lord, even to him that is 
u poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth 
" at my word." — It is not in sacrifices and 
burnt offerings that thou delightest, but the 
sacrifice of a broken heart, O God thou wilt 
not despise. Be pleased to convert all hearts 
as thou hast mine. Oh ! thou adored and 
delight of ray soul, Lord God Almighty, 
thou knowest that I love thee, and earnestly 

5 



50 

crave that all may love and serve thee, the 
only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou 
hast sent. — I wish all frequently to retire 
and wait on the Lord, believing such offer- 
ings are acceptable, and that the time devot- 
ed to such services would be blessed ; — it is 
in the silence of all flesh that we can ap- 
proach the Throne of Grace with accept- 
ance ; — all our own thoughts must be sub- 
dued — thus shall we hear the still small 
voice. 

'May my beloved brothers, sisters, and 
dear friends, yea, all the world over, come 
to experience the happy state of a true be- 
liever, and have full confidence in the Divine 
Being, which I have found the advantage 
of; but I do not mention this from boasting, 
well knowing it has been all the Lord's 
work and marvellous in my eyes, that an 
unworthy creature like me should have been 
thus noticed and so eminently cared for by 
the great and good Author of all nature. — 
Oh ! that the celestial and terrestrial world 
may ever praise my dear Redeemer, who 
reigns triumphant in the realms above. I 
long since thought that the Divine decree 
was not for my continuance in this world ; 
at that time I felt as if it would be hard to 
part with those near and dear to me, but all 
have been much easier given up than I ever 
expected — thanks be to Him with whom all 



51 

things are possible, he has drawn my affec- 
tions wholly to himself; I can cheerfully 
resign all to his care — I know he will com- 
fort and support my dearly beloved lonely 
sister in the trying time of separation, if she 
only look to him in sincerity and reliance 
she will find a Father and a Friend that 
shall never be taken from her. She has 
been to me a most tender affectionate nurse, 
and did all she could towards my bodily 
relief, for which 1 trust she will be reward- 
ed here and hereafter.' 



1821, 5 mo. 8. — i My soul fervently prays 
that my blessed, precious Redeemer may 
alone be glorified, praised, and exalted over 
all, for this his encreasing power, as for all 
his goodness and wondrous works on me, 
an unworthy, unprofitable servant. I praise 
and adore my God, for all his acts are good ; 
of the encrease of his government there shall 
be no end ; he has redoubled his love and 
peace unto me, since he hath laid his good 
hand additionally on my poor body, by de- 
priving me of the power of extolling him 
with my tongue.* Oh ! that all things may 

* A few days before this was written she lost the power of 
speech ; it was restored to her, after the lapse of nearly nine 
months, and a short time before her decease. 



52 

redound to his great glory: I shall not cease 
my silent gratitude and praise, I humbly 
trust, whilst life and ability are granted me. 
In death there is no remembrance of thee, in 
the grave who shall give ray Saviour thanks! 
Oh ! praise the Lord, all ye his creatures, 
and love and serve him I beseech you, for 
lie is worthy above all. — Oh ! that I could 
serve him to my last breath. I ardently 
crave that the great Lord of the harvest 
may be pleased to send forth more labourers 
into his harvest, which truly is plenteous, 
but the labourers are few — more is the pity ! 
— great loss of peace and comfort being sus- 
tained by the negligent ; — the hand of the 
diligent maketh rich in the spiritual life — I 
wish all to be aroused to more faithfulness, 
there is nothing like it. Great things are in 
store for those who love my good Master, 
and work in his vineyard — the reward is 
rich and sure. Believe me, I know it now, 
and rejoice to leave a proof of the certainty 
of it, if thereby I may incline survivors to 
turn unto the Lord with full purpose of 
heart, and serve him the residue of their 
days, which will produce them real happi- 
ness. Oh! the bliss which my soul enjoys 
is unutterable — may every creature have the 
same to declare in good time.' 

Her sister Anne having asked her did 
she think she should not speak again, she 



53 

wrote as follows : — 'Not known to me, but 
be content and resigned, as 1 am to my Sa- 
viour's will. I never enjoyed so large a 
share of happiness — join me in praising our 
Heavenly Father, and in every thing give 
him thanks. My beloved sisters, be faithful, 
and lay your shoulders to his blessed work, 
so will the Lord bless you and make your 
sick bed happy, as he has made mine ; — 
glory be to his ever excellent name — Amen, 
saith my soul — I love the whole race of 
mankind and wish all as happy as myself.' 



5 mo. 16. — <I wish it was the general 
practice for families to collect their domes- 
tics and read a portion of the Holy Scrip- 
tures to them daily; for the contents of the 
sacred volume cannot be too much promul- 
gated in the earth : may you, my beloved 
sisters, be in this practice, and on first days 
especially ; appropriate not that day to visit- 
ing or entertaining company, which must ne- 
cessarily require attendance and labour. 

' If I had a wish to return to the world, 
it would be to set an example of simplicity 
and serving my blessed Redeemer first of 
all : there is no happiness comparable to that 
which results from faithfulness to the Lord. 
That you, my dear sisters, may be of this 
5* 



54 

happy number is the frequent and fervent 
prayer of iny soul for you ; so will you be 
blessed. I cau promise you a rich reward 
from an easy good Master, who don't re- 
quire any thing hard. Oh ! give him all he 
shall call for at your hands — you cannot re- 
sign too much for his dear sake : " To obey 
" is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than 
u the fat of rams." If all the treasures of this 
vain world were atmy command, I should with 
delight, and a rejoicing heart, resign them for 
the sake of a faithful Creator, from whom I 
have received so great things — numerous un- 
merited blessings hath he shed on my un- 
worthy head, and is still multiplying his 
boundless goodness. Would I wish to re- 
sign such loving kindness? I say no: all 
temptation would be insufficient to make me 
give up my beloved, who, I hope, 1 have 
surrendered my whole heart unto ; for to him 
alone it is due. The Lord giveth and the 
Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of 
the Lord. 

i May you be as lights in the world, that 
others seeing your good works may be in- 
duced to follow your footsteps, and glorify 
your Heavenly Father, to whom I tenderly 
advise you to keep a single eye — let him be 
your chief dependance, and have the first 
place in your affections. I love you as a sis- 
ter ; but there is added a pure love which 



55 

many waters cannot quench, nor the floods 
of adversity destroy — it reaches over sea and 
land. 

' It is a fine attainment to be at peace with 
the Almighty, and to be ready for the pale 
spectre, which, though awful, has no ter- 
rors for me ; my precious Saviour has taken 
away the sting. Oh Death ! where is thy 
sting? Oh, Grave! where is thy victory? 
All praises, glory, honour, and dominion be 
ascribed to the name of the Lord, the great 
Jehovah, now and for evermore, saith my 
converted, happy soul ! — Amen.' 



5 mo. 18. — ' This has been a precious, 
happy day, like many preceding it, visited 
by the renewings of my Heavenly Father's 
love. Oh ! the beams of his benign, blessed 
countenance, would cheer the most gloomy 
abode, and enliven the dreary confines of a 
dungeon. My time glides happily, and ap- 
parently swifter than when enjoying health : 
may I fancy myself a partaker of heavenly 
joys, though still an inhabitant of these 
lower regions ? Have I a grateful heart, or 
am 1 diligent in returning thee thy own, my 
dear Lord, as thou art graciously pleased to 
grant me ability so to do? 01$ ! that Thou, 
who art the bountiful giver of every blessing. 



56 

may vouchsafe to continue with me, and 
cause my heart to overflow with gratitude 
and praise unto thee, whilst thou art pleased 
to leave me in this state of being. And, 
dearest Father, preserve me faithful, obedi- 
ent, patient and resigned, to await the time 
when it shall be consistent with thy unerring 
will to grant ray spirit a release from cap- 
tivity, and unite it to thy church triumphant 
in singing praises and hallelujahs to thy sa- 
cred and ever-worthy name, through a 
boundless, happy eternity, world without 
end. — Amen/ 



A little girl being brought to her bedside, 
she afterwards wrote as follows : — 

i On seeing that sweet little babe, the em- 
blem of innocence, I was led to contemplate 
the pure state the soul must arrive at, that is 
admitted into paradise; which our Saviour 
said, must be as a little child, before any 
could enter the kingdom of Heaven. It is a 
great attainment to be one of these happy 
babes in Christ, our Lord and Redeemer; 
to know that the will is become subservient 
as a little babe, in every thing obedient to 
Divine power and command, not daring to 
make any opposition thereto/ 



37 

5 mo. 20. — * My dear Redeemer's blessed 
words when on earth were — " My meat is 
" to do the will of Him that sent me:" — 
this, I humbly trust, has been my greatest 
delight for some time past: it is truly plea- 
sant to obey the will of my Heavenly Fa- 
ther, even in what may appear trifling ; all 
bring a rich reward of peace, which fully 
compensates for every surrender, however 
much in the cross it is made. 

' " I am the bread of life," said the dear 
Lord; [and, in another place,] "Whoso- 
" ever drinketh of the water that 1 shall 
u give him, shall never thirst; but the water 
" thatl shall give him shall be in him, a well 
u of water springing up into everlastinglife." 
Oh ! my soul, thou hast eaten freely of the 
iread which thy heavenly Father dispenses 
with a bountiful hand, satisfying liberally 
thy daily wants and desires. Those who 
ask this spiritual nourishment, in faith, will 
not fail of finding it, which animates and 
inspires with renewed hope and confidence 
in the goodness and mercies of an omnipo- 
tent Deity, without whom we should be 
miserable, hopeless, helpless, and comfort- 
less creatures — in perpetual danger but for 
his watchful, protecting eye, which neither 
slumbers nor sleeps — a faithful, good shep- 
herd, looking over his flock lest the wolf 
should catch any to destroy them. We are 



wmmm 



58 

poor finite creatures, cannot do the least 
good thing of ourselves — continually depen- 
dent on a superintending power for every 
thins;: what have we to exalt us or to boast 
of, but all to humble and abase self and con- 
trite our spirits ? What meekness and low- 
liness of mind we ought to possess — made 
after the similitude of him who was meek 
and lowly of heart, plain and simple in his 
appearance, whose coat was woven without 
a seam. Oh ! I love to dwell near a dear 
Lord, studying his miraculous acts, and 
condescending goodness, all for poor fallen 
mankind, in order to raise to glory and hap- 
piness those who will seek his redemption, 
and look unto him as their only Saviour, 
and hope of the immortal soul. My pros- 
pects are so bright, and the way to eternity 
so clear and unobscured, that I compare it 
to a cloudless sky on a fine day. 

* I feel grateful in having ability granted 
me thus to leave a little memorial of my 
continued unmerited happiness, for the com- 
fort and encouragement of survivors, if there- 
by I shall induce any not to pass unnoticed 
so great and marvellous works, or slight 
that Providence who is merciful to all trans- 
gressors, the least of whose goodness 1 am 
undeserving of. Forget not then his won- 
drous works, but seek him diligently, and 
confide in him alone j he will not disappoint 



j 



59 

you — he never disappointed me, nor denied 
me any comfort, either spiritual or temporal, 
which his Divine wisdom saw meet I should 
enjoy : thus should all be contented and 
thankful, giving praise for all dispensations, 
u most for the severe." Never did I enjoy 
more calmness, serenity, or peace, than since 
the power of articulation ceased; my never- 
failing Comforter enabling my trembling 
fingers to declare his goodness. Oh ! may 
all things redound to his everlasting praise ; 
and glorify, exalt, and magnify his ever- 
worthy name, above all in heaven and on 
earth — his marvellous doings all declare his 
majesty. I believe it is wisely ordained, 
that others beside myself shall benefit by 
this long-protracted illness ; if such be the 
gracious design, I rejoice to have been 
chosen a sufferer for the sake of Him who 
bled for me. 

'The christian life is a continual warfare; 
or something similar to a sea- voyage, pros- 
perous part of the time, but often are poor 
mariners disappointed, and are wrecked 
within view of land ; so frail man, toiling 
on this ocean of trouble, is liable to attacks 
from an unwearied enemy, which endanger 
his safety, and sometimes terminate in ruin. 
A fine morning is often succeeded by a tem- 
pestuous evening ; no time of life are we 
secure, but whilst under the immediate pro- 



60 

tection of that Providence and sure Pilot, 
whose power is invincible, able to deliver 
from the most imminent perils ; who hath 
said, "My grace is sufficient for thee." The 
Lord is a sure refuge in the day of trial, 
and a present help in every time of need ; 
he strengttoneth the weak hands, and con- 
firmeth the feeble knees ; he is a shelter 
from the heat, and as the shadow of a great 
rock in a weary land. " Watch and pray, 
" that ye enter not into temptation," said 
the Holy Pattern of all goodness. The 
proud billows, or high towering rocks, may 
overwhelm some, and others may sink in 
the quicksands of despair, but the good 
Pilot can steer clear of all danger, and 
bring safe to shore. 

' Day after day rolls on, and I am still a 
living monument of the mercies and won- 
drous power of that good Hand that has 
inflicted all for a wise purpose. Extreme 
debility is my portion, I suffer much at in- 
tervals: I hope, through all, 1 have a thank- 
ful heart, preserved from murmuring. I am 
well rewarded for all, and much more. He 
who gradually reduces the bodily powers is 
graciously pleased to renew and strengthen 
the mentaj, so that as the outward man de- 
cays and grows weaker, the inward man 
becomes stronger and stronger. — This is the 
Lord's doing, and marvellous in* our eyes ! 



61 

— May it be indelibly sealed on every heart 
that has heard, or known and witnessed 
such continued, unmerited loving kindness. 
Eye bath not seen, nor ear heard, O God ! 
what thou hast prepared for them that love 
thee. — Take courage and use diligence ; 
there is the same in store for all who seek 
in sincerity, and patiently wait the dear Re- 
deemer's good time for every blessing; they 
that have faith and believe, shall find things 
comparable to mountains removed ; those 
that trust in the Lord shall not be disap- 
pointed; I have experienced the proof; let 
none fear or be dismayed, the Father of mer- 
cies, the Fountain of living waters, is inex- 
haustible and endureth for ever. Thanks- 
giving, glory, and praise are due to Him 
alone, who only doeth any good thing! I 
must praise the name of my Redeemer whilst 
I live, and magnify his excellence; he is my 
chief love — I love all my Creator loves : 
God is love, and they that dwell in God 
dwell in love — he is all love. " Love one 
" another as I have loved you/' was an in- 
junction left by the dear Saviour with his 
disciples : Oh ! that the whole race of man- 
kind were his followers, then should they 
be happy. 

' I cannot wish aYiy creature a higher at- 
tainment, than to enjoy the portion of bliss 
dispensed unto me by my Heavenly Parent, 
6 



62 

ever bountiful of his gifts ; nor a more rich 
reward for thee, my beloved sister, who has 
so often administered to my bodily necessi- 
ties, indefatigable and unremitting in thy 
affectionate attentions, endeavouring to soothe 
and comfort me ail in thy power during this 
long illness : — Oh ! may the Almighty bless 
thee, as he has blessed thy unworthy sister, 
which I desire to be more and more sensible 
of, knowing I never deserved the favours 
received ; mayest thou feel the same support 
on a sick bed ; whenever it shall please In- 
finite Wisdom to confine thee to that narrow 
space, may he make it as happy as mine has 
been, and comfort thee by his good presence, 
which only can buoy thee up under all af- 
flictions, and enable to endure the pains of 
disease without repining, or even thinking 
the time tedious or long. Thou hast often 
witnessed the manifold kindness of Provi- 
dence, and his wonderful works, whilst en- 
gaged with me, and I sincerely desire thou 
mayest never suffer these numerous tokens 
of Divine love to be erased from thy remem- 
brance.' 



5 mo. 21. — 'Whilst this poor body lingers 
under the weight of disease, the soul, never 
wearied waiting on its beloved Lord, re- 



63 

plenished with dew from on high, soars alol't 
on wings like an eagle, and fainteth not; — 
they that wait on thee O Lord ! shall find 
their strength renewed. When attained unto 
the measure and stature of the fulness of 
grace, we are no longer strangers to the new 
birth, but are as new born babes, desiring 
the sincere milk of the Word. Oh ! my soul 
art thou a babe in Christ thy Redeemer, 
who can alone cleanse, and keep from sin 
and corruption? — hast thou, through the 
washing of regeneration passed from death 
unto life ; and become a child of God, and 
inheritor of the kingdom of Heaven, ever 
delighted to hear the pure word of thy be- 
loved ? — It is a fine thing to know that we 
are born agaiu, thereby becoming " heirs of 
" God, and joint heirs with Christ" in his 
kingdom of glory. — Better is it to seek after 
a knowledge of the things that pertain to 
our peace, than to be over anxious for the 
wisdom of this world, which is foolishness 
with God — " Fear God, and keep his com- 
" mandments, for this is the w hole duty of 
" man ; for God shall bring every work iuto 
" judgment, with every secret thing, whe- 
u ther it be good or whether it be evil." 

* My dear sister, thou who art a parent, 
consider the responsibility of thy situation, 
and the pure state in which thy beloved 
charge are delivered to thee ; sow not the 



64 

seeds of corruption, by indulging the vaiu 
mind as it expands ; endeavour to preserve 
their innocence as they advance in life ; nip 
every evil propensity in the bud, suffer no 
noxious weeds to take root and grow, which 
destroy all tender plants* — Oh ! that these 
lambs, entrusted to thy care by the Hea- 
venly Shepherd, as they grow in years, may 
grow in grace, and in favour with God and 
man. The forming and training of the in- 
fant mind devolves mostly on mothers, (par- 
ticularly that of girls,) they had need to seek 
best wisdom as their guide in this important 
duty— this alone is able to direct in all the 
concerns of life. Early inculcate a love and 
reverence for their Creator, and a fear of of- 
fending him in thought, word, or deed. In- 
struct the tender mind in the principles of 
piety and virtue, instilling therein an early 
love of both; keep them humble in ideas, 
plain and simple in their dress: humility 
goes before honour, and a haughty spirit be- 
fore a fall. Winking at the foibles of chil- 
dren is mistaken fondness, and often to be 
regretted in more mature years ; it is not, in 
ray view, any mark of real parental love, 
nor can it contribute to the comfort of pa- 
rents or children. May they in after life re- 
quite your care of their puerile years by walk- 
ing in the Truth, which, that they may love, 
and choose for their portion, is my chief 



65 

wish for them. I fear not their further pros- 
perity if Truth be their guide in all their 
actions ; I covet for them to buy the Truth 
early and sell it not — the first impressions 
are generally most permanent, in which the 
greater care should be observed to guard 
the young mind, endeavouring to store it 
with good — 

" 'Tis education forms the tender mind, 
"Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclin'd."' 



5 mo. 22. — 'This day very ill, thanks 
and praise to my dear Lord ; no sleep from 
between twelve and one o'clock last night : 
all ray comforts proceed from the one great 
source, and if humbly and gratefully ac- 
knowledged, the end will crown every thing 
and terminate all suffering — 

" How long, O Lord ! shall mortal clay, 

u Detain my soul from thee ; 
;i When shall the welcome message come, 

" To set the captive free : 
* Oh ! may I here in patience wait, 

" Till Jesus me to bliss translate." 

c He is well worth waiting for and watch- 
ing diligently : I desire to maintain a strict 
watch, that I may not be taken at unawares. 

'Hitherto I have helped thee and will 
6* 



66 

help. — In quietness and confidence will be 
thy strength. These assurances have long 
attended my mind, united with this comfort- 
ing language: "Thou wilt keep him in per- 
fect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." 
All hath been verified through the unmerit- 
ed goodness and great power of my precious 
Redeemer, who hath done all for me — my 
confidence remains unshaken; I fear not the 
same preservation being graciously vouch- 
safed to the eud of my pilgrimage, — my 
dear Saviour can and will, I humbly trust, 
keep my courage undaunted, let what will 
befal me : under the shadow of his wings 
shall I take refuge, the only sure hiding 
place. Oh ! may all be inspired with full 
assurance to rely entirely on the Rock of 
ages, against which the gates of hell shall 
never prevail/ 






5 mo. 26. — ' Twelve months to-morrow 
since my dear Anne was at meeting ; I be- 
lieve next day was the attack which put a 
period to my ever walking down stairs. I 
praise and thank the Almighty good hand 
that did all for my redemption. The body 
only is afflicted, the soul goes on its way 
rejoicing in its Creator; yea, my soul doth 
magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced 



67 

in God my Saviour, who hath regarded the 
low estate of his handmaid, and from hence- 
forth all may say, I have been marvellously 
blessed and cared for — all my days are 
happy. — Oh ! gratitude dost thou flow in 
my heart to my Maker. — Providence has 
preserved my memory unimpaired through 
all, blessed for ever be his holy and worthy 
name, he has done all for me : — I wish I 
may not pass unnoticed, the least token of 
divine love. 



5 mo. 27- — 'I have close combat this day 
with the feelings of nature, being nearly 
tried, parting with a dear sister, probably 
for the last time : if not for the divine arm 
which never leaves me helpless I must be- 
tray human weakness; that is a sure anchor 
io rest on, but for it, what should I be, a 
poor frail mortal, destitute of all good. — In 
our flesh dvvelleth corruption and impurity. 
Our blessed Lord was seen to weep several 
times, but never to laugh — he wept over the 
fallen state of Jerusalem, and for Lazarus 
whom he loved; 1 believe he will forgive a 
few involuntary tears this day starting in 
mine eyes; knowing our weakness, he pities 
those that fear him. Truly ray soul waiteth 
cm God, from him cometh my help — he only 






68 

is my defence, I shall not be greatly moved. 
Do thou, my dear sister, try to keep a firm 
hold of confidence, fortitude, and resigna- 
tion ; that whenever it shall please infinite 
Wisdom to strike the separating blow, thou 
mayest know where to fly for succour and 
comfort, which if diligently sought after will 
never disappoint. Oh! that Comforter, even 
the Spirit of Truth, which leadeth into all 
truth, is well worth an indefatigable search. 
I feel assured that he who is faithful, uner- 
ring, and a covenant keeping God, will be 
near my beloved Anne in the hour of trial, 
if the fault be not her own. He hath proved 
to me, that they who trust him shall not 
trust in vain.' 



5 mo. 29. — i "Peace," said the dear Son 
of God, " I leave with you, my peace I 
"give unto you; not as the wor\d givetb, 
"give I."' ' 



5 mo. 30. — ' Peace, sweet peace, thou art 
not to be slighted by me, but must be gain- 
ed by obedience. Oh ! my beloved sister, 1 
am again brought into the low valley of 
humiliation, by feeling that 1 am bound, in 



I 



69 

duty and obedience, to the still small voice, 
which I dare not disobey now, to see any of 
my friends who shall incline to look at 
a happy, redeemed creature, deprived of 
strength to convey to them any thing by 
speech. This morning it has been clearly 
revealed, that I must show unto others the 
continued goodness of my dear Lord, and 
the great things he is still doing for me; and 
though not able to declare any thing ver- 
bally, I must let them judge from my coun- 
tenance, the peace and happiness I enjoy in 
this act of obedience to the Divine will : I 
am assured it shall bring me its reward, 
both whilst in this state and in eternity. 
Oh ! I dare not refuse, however repugnant 
to human nature. I do not discriminate, but 
desire that such friends as feel a wish may 
be gratified. I hope curiosity will not in- 
fluence one, for to me it is awful not to obey 
in every thing, and complying in this in- 
stance is deeply humiliating to the natural 
will in my now reduced state. 

' We are not to question the acts of the 
Most High, nor to say, " What doest thou ? w 
but to be passive in his holy hand. I hum- 
bly trust this requiring may be beneficial to 
survivors, and induce in all a total surren- 
der of their own wills to the great Ruler, 
who can bless or blight our prospects in the 
twinkling of an eye. Marvellous are the 



70 

Lord's works. Oh ! may such as have seeu 
me, and now behold again the wondrous 
doings of the Almighty, never forget the 
scene. I believe I am designed to be of 
lasting advantage to some in this meeting, 
if the fault be not their own ; may it finally 
prove so, and I rejoice to be a sufferer in the 
hand of Omnipotence; for his worthy uame's 
sake I give up all. I am promised support in 
this as in former exertions. I believe every 
little sacrifice will produce its reward to those 
who submit the offering demanded.' 



To some of her friends who came to see 
her she wrote thus : — * May this act of de- 
dication to the divine will redound to the 
praise and glory of Him to whom it is due. 
I wish this visit may be sealed on each of 
our minds my beloved friends — my dear 

love to tell him I wish he may turn 

unto the Lord, and serve him all his future 
life. My chief delight is in seeking a reve- 
lation of the sacred will, and acting consist- 
ent therewith — thus brought to a child-like 
state of control. Oh ! it is truly pleasant 
to obey thee my precious Redeemer/ 



7i 

5 mo. 30. — ' My soul thou art this day 
filled with treasures which lie concealed, 
thou art enriched and made fat with joy ; 
thus thou art rewarded for being obedient ; 
my peace may be said to flow as a river. — 
u He brought me into his banquetting house, 
* and his banner over me was love" — the 
altogether lovely, the chief among ten thou- 
sand is my beloved ; his voice it is sweet, 
and his countenance is comely; my beloved 
is mine and I am his — yes, my dearest Je- 
sus, thou art mine, and I humbly hope I am 
thine for ever and ever. I would rather be a 
doorkeeper in thy holy house than dwell in 
the tents of wickedness. 

<Oh! when will thy good time arrive, to 
release my captive spirit? — but I must not 
be impatient : I now see I was too anxious 
to be gone to rest ; I am thankful that I was 
disappointed, knowing it is for some good 
and wise purpose that my life is prolonged, 
for which, as for every blessing, I praise 
the great Disposer of events, whose decrees 
are all in wisdom, and his ways just and 
equal. Lay not up for yourselves treasures 
on earth, but lay up treasures in heaven ; for 
where your treasure is, there will your heart 
be also : — seek first the kingdom of God and 
his righteousness, and every thing necessary 
will be added unto you. May I be faithful, 
obedient, and patient to the end, and be 



7S 

made a pillar in the house of my God, to go 
no more out. I am au undeserving, unpro- 
fitable servant, but I have a merciful Judge 
to appear before, whose forgiveness of my 
past errors, though numerous, I have no 
doubt of: I hope they have already appear- 
ed in judgment and are blotted out. 

c It is a fearful state to despise the day of 
small things, or slight the offers of Omnipo- 
tence; to deny or be ashamed of Him, 
through the shedding of whose precious 
blood all are saved, by having their robes 
washed and purified therein. Let such as 
are conscious of denying the Holy One and 
the Just, the Prince of Peace, take care that 
if they persist in so doing, he may " laugh 
" at their calamity, and mock when their 
" fear cometh." I earnestly wish that the 
eyes of these may be speedily opened to 
behold their critical and awful situation, un- 
less they return with a repentant heart. 

<I tenderly entreat all, to bear their cross 
and despise the shame, counting it a glory to 
suffer in the cause of a dear crucified Saviour, 
who bled for the remission of sins, who is the 
only salvation of every soul, and who declar- 
ed, " he that taketh not his cross and follow- 
" eth after me is not worthy of me ;" and 
" whosoever shall confess me before men, 
"him will I also confess before my Father 
" which is in heaven, but whosoever shall 



73 

" deny me before men, him will I also deny 
" before my Father which is in heaven. " — 
Why am I thus exercised, unless for a warn- 
ing call to backsliders ? Oh ! that none may 
be " like the deaf adder, that stoppeth her 
" ear, which will not listen to the voice of 
" charmers, charming never so wisely." ? 



5 mo. 81. — " Stay me with flagons, com- 
** fort me with apples, for I am sick of love." 
— Thus is the church described with her be- 
loved; so I venture to compare my own 
state this day, a cup overflowing with peace, 
love and joy. Oh bliss unutterable ! almost 
too much to bear whilst clad in mortal garb: 
who would wish to stay, serving this fading 
world, pursuing its deceitful allurements ? 

" They build too low who build beneath the skies." 

<Is it not inviting to serve with fidelity, 
and obey with alacrity, every requiring of 
so good a Master, who requites thus liberal- 
ly? — nothing should tempt to refuse acqui- 
escence at all times. Through the tender 
dealings and power of the Most High my 
will is subjected, and I hope ever to yield 
compliance during my existence. Yes, my 
soul, thou art firmly fixed, and enjoys too 
large a share of happiness to dare be un- 

7 



74 

grateful, by opposing the will of thy Maker 
in any degree. To persevere in resistance 
is vain, for as the sturdy oak bends to the 
axe of the feller, so must the most resolute 
will finally bend to the power of a Supreme 
Ruler. The tall cedars of Lebanon and the 
lofty oaks of Bashan must bow ; all high 
looks and every proud heart will the Lord 
bring down. "God resisteth the proud, but 
" giveth grace unto the humble — whosoever 
" exalteth himself shall be abased, and he 
"that humbleth himself shall be exalted." 
In prosperity be not puffed up, and in ad- 
versity do thou consider. " If ye be willing 
" and obedient ye shall eat the good of the 
" land." — " The meek will he guide ia 
" judgment, and the meek will he teach his 
" way." — " It is of the Lord's mercies that 
u we are not consumed, because his compas- 
" sions fail not ; they are new every morn- 
u ing ; great is thy faithfulness." 

'It is all grace, free, unmerited grace, 
whereby we are saved. "All our righteous- 
" nesses are as filthy rags." Dare not to 
ascribe any thing, however trifling, to the 
creature, but give all honour and praise to 
the Creator, from whom cometh every good 
thing we possess. — Self should always be 
abased as in dust and ashes ; a poor frail 
worm of the earth, full of sin and corrup- 
tion, void of any good. May the dear Son 



75 

of God, the Lamb immaculate, become the 
joy and praise of the whole earth. 1 have 
none in heaven but thee, nor in the earth that 
I desire in comparison of thee, my precious, 
blessed Redeemer, who has done all for my 
purification. It is a truth, that " the heart 
" knoweth his own bitterness, and a stranger 
H doth not intermeddle with his joy." ' 



6 mo. 2. — <By my external composure., 
judge the reigning internal calm and quiet. 
Suppose not, my dear friends, that I am de- 
pressed on seeing you, since articulation 
has ceased ; I feel gratitude and praise fill 
my heart in being strengthened in this act 
of obedience to my great Master, believing 
it intended to be of use to those who here 
witness the wondrous works, and continued 
mercies of a kind omnipotent Ruler, that 
has inspired me with a lively interest in his 
glorious cause, and fortified human weak- 
ness to serve him through all, however 
great the cross. Require what thou wilt, 
my dear Lord, only speak the word and 
thy servant shall obey, having by thine own 
power and love effected entire submission* 
and a total surrender of self for thy dear 
sake ; nothing is too much to give up, thou 
hast made hard things easv and bitter things 



76 

sweet; without thee I am helpless and des- 
titute : I doubt not thy sustaining, comfort- 
ing presence to the close of life ; thou art 
my only hope, and may all terminate in thy 
glory, honour, and praise; promoting a faith- 
ful service in thy blessed work on earth, for 
thou, my beloved Redeemer, art alone 
worthy to be loved, served, feared, and 
obeyed for evermore ! 

< I am far more than repaid for all out- 
ward privations ; every morning, yea, each 
moment demands my humble gratitude and 
unremitting assiduity. As the hand of the 
diligent bringeth riches in the temporal, so 
it doth in the spiritual life. May the aged, 
the middle aged, and young, be excited to 
continual labour, and seriously consider the 
uncertain moment, when the inhabitants of 
these tottering mansions of clay may be call- 
ed, prepared or unprepared, to meet the great 
just Judge of quick and dead, who weigheth 
our actions in an even balance : — Be ye 
ready in waiting for the sound of the trumpet. 

' I ardently crave that the number of truly 
devoted servants may increase, that the de- 
solations and numerous breaches made in 
the Lord's camp, through unfaithfulness to 
the principle, may be soon repaired thereby. 
O, Zion ! thou glorious Mount Zion ! a quiet 
habitation, peace be within thy walls, and 
prosperity within thy palaces ; mayest thou 



77 

become the beauty and joy of all nations. 
Each of yeu, my beloved friends, press for- 
ward to the mark ; take up your cross, and 
finally obtain the prize in view. The race 
is not to the swift, nor the battle to the 
strong. Let such as are invited to the mar- 
riage supper take care of making excuses, 
lest the halt and the maimed, or those in the 
highways and hedges, should be made par- 
takers thereof, and you cast out. Oh ! it is 
an awful thing to delay, or refuse the hea- 
venly visitation; many are called but few 
are chosen ; the last shall be first and the 
first last. I pray the Lord of the vineyard 
that he may send forth labourers into his 
vineyard, each to receive the reward, they 
who work but one hour, as they that bear 
the burden and heat of the day. 

' My desires are frequent, and I hope sin- 
cere, to be preserved from any selfish mo- 
tive influencing my actions, in leaving a me- 
morial of unmerited favours so bountifully 
bestowed on me. The honour and praise of 
my Maker, I humbly trust, are now my 
chief delight to seek. I hope I am not de- 
ceived in believing that the main bent of my 
inclination is to do all I can in the service of 
my Heavenly Father, who has done so much 
for me; thus to endeavour to make some 
restitution for past errors and omissions 
which I was guilty of. Should this frail 
7* 



78 

mortal desire at any time to boast, be puffed 
up, or wish the least merit, oh ! that it may 
be mortified and abased in the earth, brought 
to nothing, as it really is in the sight of an 
omniscient, perfect Deity, without whose aid 
it cannot even think a good thought, much 
less do a good act. Ah ! my dear friends, 
humble the creature, I entreat you, but ex- 
alt and highly extol the Creator for all, 
whose right it is to rule and have the pre- 
eminence. 

* We should not fail to celebrate the good- 
ness of the Almighty, in the ears of them 
afar off, that so they might be induced to 
draw near unto him and be saved. " Look 
"unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of 
" the earth. " " Draw nigh to God, and he 
" will draw nigh to you," saith the Apostle. 
" Come now, and let us reason together, 
"saith the Lord: though your sins be as 
" scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, 
"though they be red like crimson, they 
" shall be as wool." Surely here is every 
encouragement for backsliders to return unto 
the Lord, who will heal their backslidings 
and forgive their iniquities, if the heart be 
truly repentant. — There is more joy in hea- 
ven over one sinner that repenteth than over 
ninety and nine just persons that need not 
repentance. 

1 In that love which influences me to wish 



I 



79 

every creature the same portion of happiness 
with myself, I earnestly desire those who 
are aloof may speedily come near, and sub- 
mit to the refining, purifying operations of 
the Word of Truth revealed in the secret of 
the soul. No longer resist or stifle the still 
small voice, which invites in the most ten- 
der, gentle language, — yea, like a fond pa- 
rent, wishing all his children to be happy. 
The way is plain, and so simple, that none 
need go astray : " the wayfaring men, though 
" fools, shall not err therein." u Seek ye 
u the Lord while he may be found, call ye 
"upon him while he is near. Let the wick- 
"ed forsake his way, and the unrighteous 
§i man his thoughts, and let him return unto 
"the Lord, and he will have mercy upon 
u him, and to our God, for he will abun- 
dantly pardon." Be no longer governed 
by shame, but publicly avow yourselves on 
your Redeemer's side, proving by the sim- 
plicity of dress and address, that you are his 
followers, for whose cause our worthy pre- 
decessors counted it a glorious thing to suf- 
fer: they were not ashamed of a plain garb, 
or of being reckoned singular by the world, 
clearly evincing by their upright life and 
conversation their leader and guide to be the 
Spirit of Truth, which leads into all truth, 
and only can preserve in rectitude of con- 
duct " Come out from among them and be 



80 

"ye separate, and touch not the uncleau 
u thing; and I will receive you, and will be 
" a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons 
u and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.' 



6 mo. 3. — " The fear of the Lord is the 
u beginning of wisdom," and " to depart 
u from evil is understanding:" — " he hath 
" showed thee, O man, what is good, and 
u what doth the Lord require of thee, but to 
u do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk 
" humbly with thy God ?" I long for all to 
come and see how good the Lord is, to taste 
the sweets of his love for themselves. Every 
sacrifice requisite for this attainment should 
be made, however great, though comparable 
to faithful Abraham offering his son Isaac. 
" Faith is the substance of things hoped for, 
" the evidence of things not seen i" it re- 
moves mountainous obstacles ; — " If ye have 
" faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall 
"say unto this mountain, Remove hence to 
" yonder place, and it shall remove," said 
the dear Redeemer to his disciples. Un- 
shaken faith is a truly desirable possession 
— may this gift spread and abound in every 
heart, so that when tried, they may prove 
the foundation immoveable as a rock. A 
true believer has macy blessings : " Blessed 



81 

a are they that have not seen and yet have 
" believed," said my precious Saviour to 
Thomas, who did not believe him to be the 
Lord till he called him to thrust his hand 
into his side, and put his fingers in the print 
of the nails — " be not faithless but believ- 
"ing:" then he said, "My Lord and my 
" God !" Oh I that not one may be in the 
alarming state of an unbeliever/ 



On seeing a few friends who visited her, 
she wrote thus : — 

4 The love and tender solicitude of my 
mind for my dear friends can only be known 
by Him from whom the heart is not conceal- 
ed. Ah ! serve the Lord faithfully and with 
diligence, I entreat you, for the peace flow- 
ing in an obedient mind is indescribable. I 
would allure every creature to make a free 
surrender of all demanded; keep nothing 
back; the Lord loveth an early sacrifice. 
Let not this visit pass away as the early 
dew or a morning cloud, but be it sealed on 
each mind. 

* I hope gratitude fills my heart, in being 
enabled to see my dear friends ; aud though 
articulation has ceased, I am not depressed 
on seeing you. Oh ! that all may redound 
to the praise of Him that has done all,' 



83 

6 mo. 5. — i We have many instances re- 
corded in sacred writ of the blessings at- 
tending a firm belief and true faith in the 
word of the Holy One through the mouths 
of his messengers ; by this the barrel of meal 
wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, 
till the day that the Lord sent rain on the 
earth, as foretold by Elijah, the man of God, 
w 7 hose word being despised by the unbeliev- 
ing lord, that said, " If the Lord would 
" make windows in heaven, might this thing 
"be." — "Behold, thou shalt see it with 
" thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof," was 
the reply of the Prophet ; which was verifi- 
ed, for he was trodden to death in the gate 
of the city : he saw the plenty but did not 
taste it. 

* My feelings have been deeply wounded, 
and sorrow has filled my heart, on hearing 
the public declarations of ministers torn to 
pieces and made little of. I tenderly warn 
all not to encourage this disposition. Oh ! 
let none practice this offence in the sight of 
an omniscient, omnipresent Deity, who re- 
gards according to our actions, and will 
punish disobedience one day or other. Very 
unexpectedly has my mind been thus im- 
pressed this day, which I venture to disclose 
in, I trust, humble fear, lest I should act 
contrary to the will of my faithful Creator, 
who I desire may rule and govern all in me ; 



83 



he is the mighty Counsellor, the everlasting 
Father, and the Prince of Peace, showing 
kindness to the unthankful, and mercy to 
the cruel ; his judgment is not harsh or se- 
vere, but lenient and compassionate to trans- 
gressors. Oh ! that his law and his testimony 
may no longer be trampled on. " The law 
' of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul ; 
' the testimony of the Lord is sure, making 
' wise the simple ; the statutes of the Lord 
are right, rejoicing the heart; the com- 
mandment of the Lord is pure, enlighten- 
ing the eyes ; the fear of the Lord is clean, 
enduring for ever; the judgments of the 

* Lord are true and righteous altogether : 
more to be desired are they than gold, yea, 

' than much fine gold, sweeter also than ho- 
' ney and the honey-comb.^ — " There is no 
' man that hath left house, or brethren, or 

* sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or 
'children, or lands for my sake and the 
'gospel's, but he shall receive an hundred 
'fold now in this time, and in the world to 
' come eternal life," said our holy Pattern, 

whose reward is sure to such as serve him 
faithfully ; let the world receive them as it 
may, no condemnation shall rest on their 
heads, but greater will it be on their perse- 
cutors. 

" Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that 
•' is within me bless his holy name : bless 



84 

** the Lord, my soul, and forget not all 
46 his benefits ; who forgiveth all thine ini- 
" quities, who healeth all thy diseases. n 
Truly pleasant is it to serve the King of 
kings ; his yoke it is easy and his burden 
light. May you that have not yet taken his 
yoke on your shoulders be induced to come 
and feel its ease ; no longer delay entering 
into the strait and narrow way which leadeth 
unto life: they who walk in wisdom's ways 
shall find them pleasant, and all her paths 
peace. It may be truly said, " in thy pre- 
" seuce," O Lord, " is fulness of joy, and at 
" thy right hand there are pleasures for ever- 
" more." — " There is a river, the streams 



jj 



" whereof shall make glad the city of God,' 
running through that glorious city, the beau- 
tiful Mount Zion, the new Jerusalem, where- 
in thou, O Immanuel! presides, the walls 
thereof are salvation, and its gates are 
praise. 

' Not sleeping much leaves me fine time 
for meditation, and for enjoying a calm, un- 
ruffled mind. I hope I am diligent in em- 
ploying all in gratitude and praise to the 
Author of all my unmerited blessings. Oh! 
what am I, to be thus cared for? — each day 
visited with the extendings of the Father's 
love, who condescends to dwell with oue of 
the meanest, most unworthy and unprofit- 
able of his servants. The hours are swift, 
and run smiling away, though not many in 



85 

the twenty-four strike unknown to me. — Art 
thoii humble and grateful, my soul for all 
these favours, high favours, wholly unde- 
served by thee ? While the day begins and 
ends in peace, there is good reason to hope 
the heart is accepted by its Maker, to whom 
be all the praise and adoration, who wrought 
this great work.' 



6 mo. 6. — i Oh ! happy moments, happy 
moments flit away, and let the happier one 
come on that shall unite thee, my soul, to 
thy well-beloved, never more to be disturb- 
ed nor separated from Him, with whom 
thou delights to dwell ; then thy bliss will 
have no alloy. — Be faithful and patient to 
the end, and a crown of glory is prepared 
for thee. Are not thy desires to allure 
others to the same state, as thy dear Re- 
deemer has, through his invincible power 
and unmerited goodness, brought thee to? 
But thy chief joys, daily multiplied, lie con- 
cealed from human observation. 

" Blessed are those servants whom the 
Ci Lord when he cometh shall find watching." 
Oh ! may I be found ready in waiting any 
hour the bridegroom shall please to come. 
Have your lamps trimmed, my dear friends, 
ere the midnight cry is heard, lest the door 

8 



86 

be shut, and the sentence pass — u I know 
" you not." Woeful are these words, I know 
you not. Individually seek to deserve the 
blessed sentence of " Well done, good and 
" faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of 
" thy Lord." Resolve with Joshua formerly, 
let others do as they may, " as for me and 
" my house we will serve the Lord." If all 
hearts were thus religiously concerned, the 
many deviations and inconsistencies so ob- 
vious amongst us would be removed, and a 
true desire to attend to the limitations of 
Truth in thought, word, and deed, would be 
entertained ; thus we should be as lights in the 
world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hid, 
keeping a single eye to our holy Leader, — 
that others seeing our good works might be 
induced to walk in the same path, and glorify 
our Father which is in heaven/ 



6 mo. 7« — i I think it was a distinguished 
statesman formerly who near the close of his 
life expressed himself thus, — "While we 
" laugh, all things are serious round about 
u us ; God is serious who preserveth us and 
" hath patience towards us ; Christ is serious 
" who shed his blood for us ; the Holy Ghost 
<< is serious when he striveth with us ; the 
V whole creation is serious in serving God and 



87 

w us; they are serious in heaven and in hell ; 
u how then can we be gay?" I disclose in 
simplicity my thoughts as they occur : Levity 
of conduct, or much light, frivolous conver- 
sation, to me indicates a vacuum in the 
mind; talking much tendeth not to profit, for 
they that say much say some in vain. We 
read, " that every idle word that men shall 
" speak, they shall give an account thereof 
"in the day of judgment;" this thought 
should excite in each a continual watchful 
care of our words and actions, also a frequent 
severe scrutiny of ourselves, to preserve a 
clear, impartial account against the last day. 
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, 
u and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be 
46 opened unto you ; for every one that 
" asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh find- 
ft eth, and to him that knocketh it shall be 
" opened." God giveth to all liberally and 
upbraideth not. He who clothes the lilies, 
feeds the sparrows, and commanded the ra- 
vens to feed the prophet Elijah, is not to be 
distrusted in any thing. " If a son shall ask 
46 bread of any of you that is a father, will 
u he give him a stone, or if he ask a fish 
" will he for a fish give him a serpent, or if 
" he shall ask an egg will he offer him a 
"scorpion? — If ye then, being evil, know 
" how to give good gifts unto your children, 
u how much more shall your Heavenly Fa- 



88 

" ther give the Holy Spirit to tbem that ask 
"him?" — Oh! this is my only preserver, 
supporter, comforter, and provider; what 
should I be if deprived of it? Pilgrim, poor 
and helpless, without any good thing what- 
ever. If we expect a continuance of this his 
first, great blessing, we must petition for it 
daily, in sincere, humble confidence, pa- 
tiently waiting the will and time of the wise, 
good Giver : this inestimable gift is worth a 
quiet, long waiting for; let none tire though 
tedious the time may seem ; the more patient, 
the greater will be the gain ultimately ; this 
I testify from certain experience, and my 
heart delights in celebrating and extolling 
the name of the everlasting Jehovah, who 
hath said of old, " The mountains shall de- 
u part and the hills be removed, but my kind- 
ci ness shall not depart from thee, neither 
u shall the covenant of my peace be re- 
" moved, saith the Lord that hath mercy 
"on thee." — " Behold I have created the 
" smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, 
"and that bringeth forth an instrument for 
'" his work ; and I have created the waster 
u to destroy : no weapon that is formed 
** against thee shall prosper, and every 
* ; tongue that shall rise against thee in judg- 
** ment thou shalt condemn; this is the heri- 
u tage of the servants of the Lord, and their 
u righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.* 



89 

6 mo. %%.—< Very weak in body, bat the 
soul renewedly strengthened and made hap- 
py : Praise, praise, glory and gratitude ever 
be its return, which every moment calls for/ 



7 mo. 3. — i Whnt must be the joys of hea- 
ven when I am su >>appy on earth. I hope 
soon to be there. Oh ! happy moment, happy 
will it be ! Praise, high praise and glory be 
thine for evermore, my beloved Immanuel, 
who art glorious in holiness, fearful in praises. 
Oh ! mayest thou become the praise and the 
glory of the whole earth, my adored Re- 
deemer. Of all that come unto thee in faith 
and true belief, seeking salvation, none wilt 
thou refuse ; a good, gracious and merciful 
Saviour, for ever good thou art : may thy 
blessed work prosper in every heart, and 
thy holy will be done on earth as it is in 
heaven. Thy service is truly pleasant, de- 
lightful it is to obey thy sweet voice, no 
comfort equal to it : my Heavenly Father 
thou hast been and continues a true com- 
forter to me ; thy pure unerring will and 
good time, demand in justice a long, patient, 
quiet waiting : better art thou than thou- 
sands of worlds : I have none in heaven but 
thee, nor in the earth that I desire in com- 
parison of thee. Thou, my adored, will keep 

8* 



90 

me patient to thy own good hour. Blessed 
be thy holy name now and forever, no cross, 
suffering, or affliction whatever dispensed, 
too great, nothing too near or too dear to re- 
sign for the sake of that powerful, good 
hand, which has subjected my impure will. 
' I would call the attention of my friends 
of every age to a serious reading and fre- 
quent recurrence to the truths contained in 
the Epistle of the London Yearly Meeting, 
[1821] which I am favoured to peruse, over 
and over, with thankful satisfaction ; believ* 
ing that the Lord has yet a scattered rem- 
ftant preserved, zealous of good works, en- 
deavouring to discharge their allotted duties 
in faithfulness, supporting his precious law 
and testimony, not ashamed of the religion 
of Jesus Christ. 1 humbly trust that the 
faithful number may increase. Feeling 
warmly interested in the affairs of the Church, 
strong desires attend me that the great Lord 
of the harvest may please to send forth la- 
bourers into his plentiful harvest, that all 
breaches and waste places may be repaired 
and filled up, to the glory and praise of our 
God, to whom alone any honour is due. Let 
not one heart rob him of his due, by ascrib- 
ing the least merit to the creature, that should 
ever be abased as in dust and ashes. Oh ! 
that I could enlist numbers into Immanuel's 
service, under whose banner suffering is joy- 



91 

ous ; ray soul craves a flocking to the house 
of the Lord, as of doves to their windows ; 
that they may come from the east and from 
the west, from the north aud from the south, 
to join themselves to the only God of their 
salvation. 

' Parents, every where, seek to walk in 
the light, keeping a single eye to the Lord, 
desiring his gracious aid, that you may act 
as faithful good stewards over the part of his 
heritage entrusted to your care; thus each 
finally receive the blessed sentence of " well 
" done thou good and faithful servant, en- 
u ter thou into the joy of thy Lord." May 
the faithful in all classes, of every religious 
persuasion through the globe, be preserved, 
and the backsliders return and repent of 
their outsteppings, fully aware of the peril- 
ous state into which Satan plunges the un- 
watchful mind. Oh! return, return, in sin- 
cerity, all transgressors, high and low, rich 
and poor, I entreat you; serve your God, 
and he will forgive you, who hath said, 
"joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that 
" repenteth, more than over ninety and nine 
"just persons that need no repentance." 
Pray not, as did the self-righteous Pharisee, 
but in contrition and humility, like the Pub- 
lican, self-condemned, who smote his breast 
and said, « God be merciful to me a sinner ;" 
by which he was more justified than the 



other ; as said our blessed Lord, ic whoso- 
u ever exalteth himself shall be abased, and 
" he that humbleth himself shall be exalt- 

' Oh ! the peace and joy which flow from 
doing any thing acceptable in the Divine 
sight. I dare not even write a line in my 
own will or time. — Happy state ! true sub- 
jection of human nature ! entire resignation 
to the only refiner of hearts, who through 
various trying baptisms, necessary to effect 
the important, awful work of our redemp- 
tion, thus bends the corrupt will. This 
great work should not be delayed or trifled 
with by us, poor finite mortals. Oh ! it is 
deeply interesting, and blessed to such as 
patiently abide its chastening influence. 
When 1 look to futurity, all is joy, pure, 
unmixed joy. Sweet death, thou art not to 
alarm me, end of my sufferings, crowning 
all hopes ! 

<Oh! that I could warn or induce all my 
associates to separate from every thing con- 
trary to a happy immortality — no longer to 
serve this world, but serve their only Sa- 
viour — in time of health yield unreservedly 
your wills to the convictions and unerring 
guidance of the Spirit of Truth, ever lead- 
ing in the simple strait path to eternal life/ 



08 

Soon after the foregoing was written, 
Margaret Jackson ceased to use her pen. 
She continued for more than six months with- 
out much apparent change, and in the full 
possession of her mental faculties, though 
unable to utter a word ; her bodily strength 
was worn down almost to the last extremity, 
yet under these trying circumstances she be- 
trayed not the least impatience; the tran- 
quillity of her demeanour and sweetness of 
her couutenance were remarkable, and evi- 
denced that all within was peace. 

A brief record of the circumstances im- 
mediately preceding her release from the 
bonds of mortality, was preserved by those 
who attended on her : — 

iSz% i mo. 30. — This day she was at. 
tacked with a violent pain, which lasted se- 
veral hours : the night was a memorable 
one, wherein the long-suspended faculty of 
speech was restored to her, to the astonish- 
ment of the attendant who was sitting up 
with her. About eleven o'clock she raised 
her voice in prayer, after being eight months 
deprived of the power of articulation, — on 
being asked if she wished her sister, who 
was in a delicate state of health, to be called 
up, she said she would not have her dis- 
turbed, for she was convinced she could 
speak to her in the morning. 



94 

3 1st. — On her sister going into the room, 
she said to her, " My astonishment was 
" great to find my tongue so suddenly loos- 
" ened, as the minute before I spoke I do 
" not think I could have articulated a word ; v 
— and compared herself to Zacharias in the 
temple at the time that John the Baptist 
was presented before him. She also said, 
that during the eight months she was silent, 
she enjoyed unutterable happiness. Most 
of her conversation this day consisted of in- 
quiries after her friends, and desiring that 
her love might be given to all, both in and 
out of the society. She was much tried dur- 
iug the day with restlessness, and said, she 
hoped soon to be where she should hear and 
join in the song of Moses and of the Lamb, 
where the morning stars sing together, and 
the sons of God shout for joy. She dwelt 
much on the inconsistencies in dress and 
behaviour that prevail in the society, and 
said, she thought she could scarcely then 
bear to see a fashionably dressed person. 

2 mo. 1. — In the afternoon she expressed 
a wish that her sister should take her sup- 
per, for the last time, in her room : she con- 
versed on* various subjects till a late hour. 

5th. — This day she was again attacked 
with the same extreme pain, which, she re- 



95 

marked, was no common pain. She pray- 
ed in the most animated and feeling manner, 
that if consistent with the Divine will, she 
might quickly be released from all her suf- 
ferings; but she had no doubt all would yet 
be well. 

15th. — From the foregoing to this date, 
she continued to suffer much pain at times : 
— this day she is lying quite still, and seems 
to take but little notice of the objects about 
her : — her breathing is much affected. 

16th. — Through most part of last night 
her breathing continued to grow weaker, 
until about ten minutes before eight o' clock 
this morning, when it ceased — and we reve- 
rently believe, her purified, happy spirit, 
took its flight to the realms of everlasting 
rest and peace. 



THE END. 



SKERnETT LOCUST STREET, 

PHILADELPHIA. 



THE FOLLOWING PUBLICATIONS 
ARE FOR SALE 

BY BENJAMIN & THOMAS KITE, 

No. 20, NORTH THIRD STREET. 

MEMOIRS and SELECT REMAINS of an 
ONLY SON, who died November 27, 1S21, in 
his 19th year, while a student in the University of 
Glasgow. By Thomas Durant, Poole, Dorset, 
England. 

MEMOIRS of the late MARY COOPER, of 
London, who departed this life June 22, 1812, in 
the 26th year of her age. By Adam Clarke, 
L. L. D. 

PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE of WIL- 
LIAM COWPER, Esq. with several of his most 
intimate Friends. Published by his kinsman John 
Johnson, L. L. D. 

MEMOIRS of the LIFE and MINISTRY of 
the late THOMAS SPENCER, of Liverpool. By 
Thomas Raffles. 

MEMOIRS and LETTERS of RICHARD and 
ELIZABETH SHACKLETON, late of Balli- 
tore, Ireland ; compiled by their Daughter Mary 

LETTERS of the late JOHN THORP, of 
Manchester, a Minister of the Gospel in the So- 
ciety of Friends. To which is prefixed, a Me- 
moir of the Life of the Writer. 

MEMOIRS of the LIFE and RELIGIOUS 
EXPERIENCE of WILLIAM LEWIS, late of 
Bristol. 

EXTRACTS from the PAPERS of EDWIN 
PRICE, late of Neath Abbey, Glamorganshire, 
with some account of his last illness and Death. 

The SPIRITUAL GUIDE, an abstract from a 
larger work, by Michael de Molinos. 



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